U.S. patent number 10,856,607 [Application Number 15/948,069] was granted by the patent office on 2020-12-08 for articles of footwear including a multi-part sole structure.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tiffany A. Beers, Tinker L. Hatfield.
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United States Patent |
10,856,607 |
Hatfield , et al. |
December 8, 2020 |
Articles of footwear including a multi-part sole structure
Abstract
Sole structures and/or articles of footwear include: (a) a frame
with a first sidewall that has an opening defined through it; and
(b) an interior midsole component including a second sidewall that
extends along the first sidewall of the frame. The interior midsole
component includes an outwardly extending stem projecting sideways
and into the opening. This stem: (a) may extend at least to a
location at or adjacent an outer surface of the first sidewall, (b)
may be complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of
the opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the opening,
and/or (c) may extend beyond an outermost extent of the
opening.
Inventors: |
Hatfield; Tinker L. (Portland,
OR), Beers; Tiffany A. (Portland, OR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
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Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton,
OR)
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Family
ID: |
1000005227567 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/948,069 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180289105 A1 |
Oct 11, 2018 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62484362 |
Apr 11, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
13/14 (20130101); A43B 13/42 (20130101); A43B
7/1405 (20130101); A43B 13/125 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
13/14 (20060101); A43B 13/12 (20060101); A43B
7/14 (20060101); A43B 13/42 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;36/31,28 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2230956 |
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Sep 2010 |
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EP |
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2005063071 |
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Jul 2005 |
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WO |
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2014151379 |
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Sep 2014 |
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WO |
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Other References
Jul. 20, 2018--(WO) ISR & WO, App. No. PCT/US18/026662. cited
by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Mangine; Heather
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/484,362 filed Apr. 11, 2017 and titled
"Articles of Footwear Including a Multi-Part Sole Structure." U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/484,362 is entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: a frame
including a first sidewall having an outer surface and an inner
surface opposite the outer surface, wherein a first opening is
defined through the first sidewall, and wherein the first opening
includes a first interior surface extending from the outer surface
to the inner surface; and an interior midsole component directly
attached to the frame by an adhesive or cement, wherein the
interior midsole component includes a plantar support surface and a
second sidewall that extends downwardly from the plantar support
surface and along the inner surface of the first sidewall, wherein
the interior midsole component further includes a first outwardly
extending stem projecting sideways away from a base surface of the
second sidewall, wherein the first outwardly extending stem extends
into the first opening beyond the inner surface of the first
sidewall toward the outer surface of the first sidewall, wherein
the first outwardly extending stem includes a first exterior
surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length of the first
exterior surface of the first outwardly extending stem extends
along, is unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the first
interior surface of the first opening, and wherein the first
outwardly extending stem has at least one feature selected from the
group consisting of: (a) the first outwardly extending stem extends
into the first opening beyond the inner surface of the first
sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent the outer surface of
the first sidewall; (b) the first exterior surface of the first
outwardly extending stem is complementary shaped with respect to
the first interior surface of the first opening over at least 25%
of an axial length of the first opening; or (c) a free end of the
first outwardly extending stem extends outward beyond an outermost
extent of the first opening.
2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein: the frame
further includes a second opening defined through the first
sidewall, wherein the second opening includes a second interior
surface extending from the outer surface to the inner surface; and
the interior midsole component further includes a second outwardly
extending stem projecting sideways away from the base surface of
the second sidewall, wherein the second outwardly extending stem
extends into the second opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall toward the outer surface of the first sidewall,
wherein the second outwardly extending stem includes a second
exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length of
the second exterior surface of the second outwardly extending stem
extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the
second interior surface of the second opening, and wherein the
second outwardly extending stem has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the second outwardly extending
stem extends into the second opening beyond the inner surface of
the first sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent the outer
surface of the first sidewall; (b) the second exterior surface of
the second outwardly extending stem is complementary shaped with
respect to the second interior surface of the second opening over
at least 25% of an axial length of the second opening; or (c) a
free end of the second outwardly extending stem extends outward
beyond an outermost extent of the second opening.
3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein: the frame
further includes a third opening defined through the first
sidewall, wherein the third opening includes a third interior
surface extending from the outer surface to the inner surface; and
the interior midsole component further includes a third outwardly
extending stem projecting sideways away from the base surface of
the second sidewall, wherein the third outwardly extending stem
extends into the third opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall, wherein the third outwardly extending stem includes
a third exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial
length of the third exterior surface of the third outwardly
extending stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable with
respect to the third interior surface of the third opening, and
wherein the third outwardly extending stem has at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the third outwardly
extending stem extends into the third opening beyond the inner
surface of the first sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent
the outer surface of the first sidewall; (b) the third exterior
surface of the third outwardly extending stem is complementary
shaped with respect to the third interior surface of the third
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the third opening;
or (c) a free end of the third outwardly extending stem extends
outward beyond an outermost extent of the third opening.
4. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the interior
midsole component is a multi-part component that includes: (a) a
medial side part including the first outwardly extending stem and
(b) a lateral side part including the second outwardly extending
stem, wherein the lateral side part is an independent part from the
medial side part.
5. The sole structure according to claim 4, wherein the interior
midsole component further includes a central part formed as an
independent part from the lateral side part and the medial side
part, wherein the central part extends between the lateral side
part and the medial side part.
6. The sole structure according to claim 1: wherein the frame,
including the outer surface and the inner surface thereof, is
formed of a first polymer foam material; wherein the interior
midsole component, including the first outwardly extending stem
thereof, is formed of a second polymer foam material; and wherein
the first polymer foam material has a first density, wherein the
second polymer foam material has a second density, and wherein the
first density is greater than the second density.
7. The sole structure according to claim 6, wherein: the frame
further includes a second opening defined through the first
sidewall, wherein the second opening includes a second interior
surface extending from the outer surface to the inner surface; and
the interior midsole component further includes a second outwardly
extending stem formed of the second polymer foam material and
projecting sideways away from the base surface of the second
sidewall, wherein the second outwardly extending stem extends into
the second opening beyond the inner surface of the first sidewall,
wherein the second outwardly extending stem includes a second
exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length of
the second exterior surface of the second outwardly extending stem
extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the
second interior surface of the second opening, and wherein the
second outwardly extending stem has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the second outwardly extending
stem extends into the second opening beyond the inner surface of
the first sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent the outer
surface of the first sidewall; (b) the second exterior surface of
the second outwardly extending stem is complementary shaped with
respect to the second interior surface of the second opening over
at least 25% of an axial length of the second opening; or (c) a
free end of the second outwardly extending stem extends outward
beyond an outermost extent of the second opening.
8. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein the first
opening and the first outwardly extending stem are located on a
medial side of the sole structure, and wherein the second opening
and the second outwardly extending stem are located on the medial
side of the sole structure forward of the first opening and the
first outwardly extending stem.
9. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein the first
opening and the first outwardly extending stem are located on a
medial side of the sole structure, and wherein the second opening
and the second outwardly extending stem are located on a lateral
side of the sole structure.
10. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein a cross
sectional area of the first opening is larger than a cross
sectional area of the second opening, and wherein a cross sectional
area of the first outwardly extending stem is larger than a cross
section area of the second outwardly extending stem, wherein the
cross sectional areas of the first opening, the second opening, the
first outwardly extending stem, and the second outwardly extending
stem are determined in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction
of the respective opening or stem.
11. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the frame
further includes a base support surface, wherein the first sidewall
extends upward from the base support surface, and wherein the
interior midsole component is supported on the base support
surface.
12. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the first
sidewall includes a medial sidewall region located on a medial side
of the sole structure and a lateral sidewall region located on a
lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the base support
surface extends between and connects the medial sidewall region and
the lateral sidewall region, and wherein the interior midsole
component fits into a receptacle defined by the medial sidewall
region, the lateral sidewall region, and the base support surface
of the frame.
13. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the free end
of the first outwardly extending stem extends through the first
opening to a location beyond the outer surface of the first
sidewall.
14. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the frame,
including the outer surface and the inner surface thereof, is
formed of a first polymer foam material, wherein the interior
midsole component, including the first outwardly extending stem
thereof, is formed of a second polymer foam material, and wherein
the first polymer foam material is different from the second
polymer foam material.
15. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: a
frame including: (a) a medial sidewall region located on a medial
side of the sole structure, wherein the medial sidewall region
includes a medial outer surface and a medial inner surface, wherein
a first medial opening is defined through the medial sidewall
region, and wherein the first medial opening includes an interior
medial surface extending from the medial outer surface to the
medial inner surface, and (b) a lateral sidewall region located on
a lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the lateral sidewall
region includes a lateral outer surface and a lateral inner
surface, wherein a first lateral opening is defined through the
lateral sidewall region, and wherein the first lateral opening
includes an interior lateral surface extending from the lateral
outer surface to the lateral inner surface; a medial interior
midsole sidewall directly attached to the frame by an adhesive or
cement, wherein the medial interior midsole sidewall includes an
outwardly extending medial stem projecting sideways away from a
base surface of the medial interior midsole sidewall, wherein the
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the first medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region, wherein the outwardly extending medial stem includes an
exterior medial stem surface, wherein at least a portion of an
axial length of the exterior medial stem surface of the outwardly
extending medial stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable
with respect to the interior medial surface of the first medial
opening, and wherein the outwardly extending medial stem has at
least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the first medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial outer
surface of the medial sidewall region; (b) the exterior medial stem
surface of the outwardly extending medial stem is complementary
shaped with respect to the interior medial surface of the first
medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the first
medial opening; or (c) a free end of the outwardly extending medial
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first medial
opening; a lateral interior midsole sidewall directly attached to
the frame by an adhesive or cement, wherein the lateral interior
midsole sidewall includes an outwardly extending lateral stem
projecting sideways away from a base surface of the lateral
interior midsole sidewall, wherein the outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the first lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region, wherein the outwardly
extending lateral stem includes an exterior lateral stem surface,
wherein at least a portion of an axial length of the exterior
lateral stem surface of the outwardly extending lateral stem
extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the
interior lateral surface of the first lateral opening, and wherein
the outwardly extending lateral stem has at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the outwardly extending
lateral stem extends into the lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region; (b) the exterior lateral stem surface of the outwardly
extending lateral stem is complementary shaped with respect to the
interior lateral surface of the first lateral opening over at least
25% of an axial length of the first lateral opening; or (c) a free
end of the outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the first lateral opening.
16. The sole structure according to claim 15, wherein the medial
sidewall region and the lateral sidewall region of the frame are
integrally formed as parts of a unitary, one-piece frame
component.
17. The sole structure according to claim 15, wherein a base
support surface connects the medial sidewall region and the lateral
sidewall region.
18. The sole structure according to claim 15, wherein the medial
interior midsole sidewall is formed as a portion of a first
interior midsole component and the lateral interior midsole
sidewall is formed as a portion of a second interior midsole
component that is a separate part from the first interior midsole
component.
19. The sole structure according to claim 18, wherein a central
midsole part extends between the first interior midsole component
and the second interior midsole component.
20. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: a
frame including: (a) a medial sidewall region located on a medial
side of the sole structure, wherein the medial sidewall region
includes a medial outer surface and a medial inner surface, wherein
a first medial opening, a second medial opening, and a third medial
opening are defined through the medial sidewall region extending
from the medial outer surface to the medial inner surface, wherein
the first medial opening includes a first interior medial surface
extending from the medial outer surface to the medial inner
surface, wherein the second medial opening includes a second
interior medial surface extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface, and wherein the third medial opening
includes a third interior medial surface extending from the medial
outer surface to the medial inner surface, and (b) a lateral
sidewall region located on a lateral side of the sole structure,
wherein the lateral sidewall region includes a lateral outer
surface and a lateral inner surface, wherein a first lateral
opening, a second lateral opening, and a third lateral opening are
defined through the lateral sidewall region extending from the
lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface, wherein the
first lateral opening includes a first interior lateral surface
extending from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner
surface, wherein the second lateral opening includes a second
interior lateral surface extending from the lateral outer surface
to the lateral inner surface, and wherein the third lateral opening
includes a third interior lateral surface extending from the
lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface; a medial
interior midsole sidewall directly attached to the frame by an
adhesive or cement, wherein the medial interior midsole sidewall
includes a first outwardly extending medial stem, a second
outwardly extending medial stem, and a third outwardly extending
medial stem projecting sideways away from a base surface of the
medial interior midsole sidewall, wherein the first outwardly
extending medial stem extends into the first medial opening beyond
the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region, wherein the
first outwardly extending medial stem includes a first exterior
medial stem surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length
of the first exterior medial stem surface of the first outwardly
extending medial stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable
with respect to the first interior medial surface of the first
medial opening, and wherein the first outwardly extending medial
stem has at least one feature selected from the group consisting
of: (a) the first outwardly extending medial stem extends into the
first medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the first exterior
medial stem surface of the first outwardly extending medial stem is
complementary shaped with respect to the first interior medial
surface of the first medial opening over at least 25% of an axial
length of the first medial opening, or (c) a free end of the first
outwardly extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost
extent of the first medial opening, wherein the second outwardly
extending medial stem extends into the second medial opening beyond
the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region, wherein the
second outwardly extending medial stem includes a second exterior
medial stem surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length
of the second exterior medial stem surface of the second outwardly
extending medial stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable
with respect to the second interior medial surface of the second
medial opening, and wherein the second outwardly extending medial
stem has at least one feature selected from the group consisting
of: (a) the second outwardly extending medial stem extends into the
second medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the second
exterior medial stem surface of the second outwardly extending
medial stem is complementary shaped with respect to the second
interior medial surface of the second medial opening over at least
25% of an axial length of the second medial opening, or (c) a free
end of the second outwardly extending medial stem extends outward
beyond an outermost extent of the second medial opening, wherein
the third outwardly extending medial stem extends into the third
medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region, wherein the third outwardly extending medial stem
includes a third exterior medial stem surface, wherein at least a
portion of an axial length of the third exterior medial stem
surface of the third outwardly extending medial stem extends along,
is unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the third interior
medial surface of the third medial opening, and wherein the third
outwardly extending medial stem has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the third outwardly extending
medial stem extends into the third medial opening beyond the medial
inner surface of the medial sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the medial outer surface of the medial sidewall
region, (b) the third exterior medial stem surface of the third
outwardly extending medial stem is complementary shaped with
respect to the third interior medial surface of the third medial
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the third medial
opening, or (c) a free end of the third outwardly extending medial
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the third medial
opening; and a lateral interior midsole sidewall directly attached
to the frame by an adhesive or cement, wherein the lateral interior
midsole sidewall includes a first outwardly extending lateral stem,
a second outwardly extending lateral stem, and a third outwardly
extending lateral stem projecting sideways away from a base surface
of the lateral interior midsole sidewall, wherein the first
outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the first lateral
opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall
region, wherein the first outwardly extending lateral stem includes
a first exterior lateral stem surface, wherein at least a portion
of an axial length of the first exterior lateral stem surface of
the first outwardly extending lateral stem extends along, is
unfixed to, and is movable with respect to the first interior
lateral surface of the first lateral opening, and wherein the first
outwardly extending lateral stem has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the first outwardly extending
lateral stem extends into the first lateral opening beyond the
lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a
location at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral
sidewall region, (b) the first exterior lateral stem surface of the
first outwardly extending lateral stem is complementary shaped with
respect to the first interior lateral surface of the first lateral
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the first lateral
opening, or (c) a free end of the first outwardly extending lateral
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first
lateral opening, wherein the second outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the second lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region, wherein the second
outwardly extending lateral stem includes a second exterior lateral
stem surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length of the
second exterior lateral stem surface of the second outwardly
extending lateral stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable
with respect to the second interior lateral surface of the second
lateral opening, and wherein the second outwardly extending lateral
stem has at least one feature selected from the group consisting
of: (a) the second outwardly extending lateral stem extends into
the second lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the
lateral sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the
lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall region, (b) the
second exterior lateral stem surface of the second outwardly
extending lateral stem is complementary shaped with respect to the
second interior lateral surface of the second lateral opening over
at least 25% of an axial length of the second lateral opening, or
(c) a free end of the second outwardly extending lateral stem
extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the second lateral
opening, and wherein the third outwardly extending lateral stem
extends into the third lateral opening beyond the lateral inner
surface of the lateral sidewall region, wherein the third outwardly
extending lateral stem includes a third exterior lateral stem
surface, wherein at least a portion of an axial length of the third
exterior lateral stem surface of the third outwardly extending
lateral stem extends along, is unfixed to, and is movable with
respect to the third interior lateral surface of the third lateral
opening, and wherein the third outwardly extending lateral stem has
at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the
third outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the third
lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the lateral
outer surface of the lateral sidewall region, (b) the third
exterior lateral stem surface of the third outwardly extending
lateral stem is complementary shaped with respect to the third
interior lateral surface of the third lateral opening over at least
25% of an axial length of the third lateral opening, or (c) a free
end of the third outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward
beyond an outermost extent of the third lateral opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of footwear and includes
aspects of sole structures and foot supports for articles of
footwear.
BACKGROUND
Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary
elements, namely, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides
a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the
foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may
have a configuration that protects the foot and provides
ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration.
The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper and
generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface.
In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing
energy, the sole structure supports and protects the foot and may
provide traction and help control potentially harmful foot motion,
such as over pronation.
The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for
receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and
access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly,
the upper may extend over the instep and toe areas of the foot,
along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel
area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the
upper to allow selective changes to the size of the ankle opening
and to permit the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper,
particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions.
In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the
lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to
moderate pressure applied to the foot by the laces). The upper also
may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the
heel.
The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are
conventionally referred to as an "insole," a "midsole," and an
"outsole." The insole (which also may constitute a sock liner) is a
thin member located within the upper and adjacent the plantar
(lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort, e.g., to
wick away moisture and provide a soft, comfortable feel. The
midsole, which traditionally is attached to the upper along the
entire length of the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole
structure and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling
foot motions and attenuating impact forces. The outsole forms the
ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from
a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing or other
features to improve traction.
Terminology/General Information
First, some general terminology and information is provided that
will assist in understanding various portions of this specification
and the invention(s) as described herein. As noted above, the
present invention relates to the field of footwear. "Footwear"
means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term
includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots,
sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers,
sport-specific shoes (such as track shoes, running shoes, golf
shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats,
ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the
like.
The terms "forward" or "forward direction" as used herein, unless
otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean at, toward, or in a
direction toward a forward-most toe area of the footwear structure
or component. The terms "rear," "rearward," or "rearward direction"
as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context,
mean at, toward, or in a direction toward a rear-most heel area of
the footwear structure or component. The terms "lateral" or
"lateral side" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from
the context, mean the outside or "little toe" side of the footwear
structure or component. The terms "medial" or "medial side" as used
herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the
inside or "big toe" side of the footwear structure or component.
The terms "longitudinal" or "longitudinal direction" as used
herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean in a
front-to-back direction or axial direction of an object. For
articles of footwear and/or components thereof, the terms
"longitudinal" or "longitudinal direction" may refer to a
"heel-to-toe" direction of the articles of footwear and/or
components thereof. The terms "transverse" or "transverse
direction" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the
context, mean in a side-to-side direction or across an object. For
articles of footwear and/or components thereof, the terms
"transverse" or "transverse direction" may refer to a "lateral
side-to-medial side" direction of the articles of footwear and/or
components thereof.
In the following description of various example structures in
accordance with the invention, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are
shown by way of illustration various example foot support
structures, components thereof, and articles of footwear in
accordance with aspects and examples of the invention. It is to be
understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures
may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Also, while the terms "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "rear,"
"side," "underside," "overhead," "over," "under," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and the like may be used in this specification to
describe various example features and elements of the invention,
these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based
on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the
orientations in typical use (e.g., orientation when incorporated
into an article of footwear supported on the bottom of its sole
structure on a horizontal support surface).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following Detailed Description will be better understood when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of
the various views in which that reference number appears.
FIGS. 1A-1G provide various views of articles of footwear in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention;
FIGS. 2A-2J provide various views of sole structures in accordance
with at least some examples of this invention;
FIGS. 3A-3D provide various views of example frames (or cages) for
sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention;
FIGS. 4A-4D provide various views of example midsole core
components for sole structures in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention;
FIGS. 4E-4J provide various views illustrating different potential
features and/or alternative features of sole structures in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention;
FIGS. 5A-6D provide various views of outsole components of sole
structures in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates different potential features and/or alternative
features of sole structures in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention;
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate additional potential features and/or
alternative features of sole structures in accordance with at least
some examples of this invention; and
FIGS. 9A-9K illustrate another example sole structure in accordance
with at least some examples of this invention.
The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description of various examples of footwear
structures and components according to the present invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various
example structures and environments in which aspects of the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and
functional modifications may be made from the specifically
described structures and functions without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
I. General Description of Aspects of this Invention
Aspects of this invention relate to sole structures and/or articles
of footwear that provide structures to promote weight transfer
during a step cycle and/or a comfortable feel/ride for the wearer.
Such sole structures/articles of footwear may include one or more
of: (1) a gradual, continuous, rearward curvature (e.g., radiused
curved) from a central heel area to a rear vertical tangent and/or
rear end of the sole structure to promote forward roll of the foot
from the heel to the toe during a step cycle; (2) a gradual,
continuous, forward curvature (e.g., radiused curved) from a
midfoot/forefoot location to a forward end and/or vertical tangent
of the sole structure to promote forward roll of the foot from the
heel to the toe during a step cycle; (3) a deep heel cup formed in
a midsole component at a rear heel area (e.g., the high heel
sidewalls with respect to a ground surface and/or a heel plantar
support surface; (4) a forward extension (e.g., rake) of the rear
heel area of the upper component; (5) elasticity/stretchability of
the upper in the heel containing region (e.g., to securely hold to
the wearer's heel); (6) relatively high "heel-to-toe offset"
features; (7) a bowed sole structure from medial side to lateral
side; and/or (8) relatively thick heel and/or midfoot regions of
the midsole core component.
Some aspects of this invention relate to sole structures and/or
articles of footwear that include: (a) a frame including a first
sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the
outer surface, wherein a first opening is defined through the first
sidewall extending from the outer surface to the inner surface; and
(b) an interior midsole component (e.g., including a foam material,
a fluid-filled bladder member, etc.) including a plantar support
surface and a second sidewall that extends downwardly from the
plantar support surface and along the inner surface of the first
sidewall, wherein the interior midsole component further includes a
first outwardly extending stem projecting sideways away from a base
surface of the second sidewall. This first outwardly extending stem
extends into the first opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall toward the outer surface of the first sidewall and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the first outwardly extending stem extends into the first opening
beyond the inner surface of the first sidewall at least to a
location at or adjacent the outer surface of the first sidewall;
(b) the first outwardly extending stem has an exterior surface that
is complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
first opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the first
opening; or (c) a free end of the first outwardly extending stem
extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first opening.
The frame may include any desired number of such openings in its
sidewall(s), and the interior midsole component may include any
desired number of such outwardly extending stems to extend into
such openings, e.g., including one or more openings in one or more
of a medial heel region, a lateral heel region, a medial midfoot
region, a lateral midfoot region, a medial forefoot region, a
lateral forefoot region, a forward toe region, a heel region, etc.
When multiple openings are present, one or more may be provided on
the lateral side, one or more may be provided on the medial side,
one or more may be provided in the heel region, and/or one or more
may be provided in the toe region. The openings also may take on a
wide variety of shapes, sizes, cross sectional areas, spacings,
relative locations, etc.
In some examples of this invention, the frame (or at least a first
sidewall of the frame) may be formed of a first polymer foam
material (e.g., having an outer surface formed of the first polymer
foam material and an inner surface formed of the first polymer foam
material opposite the outer surface). The interior midsole
component may be formed of a second polymer foam material that may
be the same as or different from the first polymer foam material.
When made from a different polymer foam material, the first polymer
foam material of the frame may have a higher density than that of
the second polymer foam material of the interior midsole
component.
Sole structures in accordance with at least some examples and
aspects of this invention may include: (a) a medial sidewall region
located on a medial side of the sole structure, wherein the medial
sidewall region includes a medial outer surface and a medial inner
surface, and wherein a first medial opening is defined through the
medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface; (b) a lateral sidewall region located on
a lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the lateral sidewall
region includes a lateral outer surface and a lateral inner
surface, and wherein a first lateral opening is defined through the
lateral sidewall region extending from the lateral outer surface to
the lateral inner surface; (c) a medial interior midsole sidewall
that includes an outwardly extending medial stem projecting
sideways away from a base surface of the medial interior midsole
sidewall, wherein the outwardly extending medial stem extends into
the first medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the
medial sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from
the group consisting of: (1) the outwardly extending medial stem
extends into the first medial opening beyond the medial inner
surface of the medial sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the medial outer surface of the medial sidewall region;
(2) the outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface
that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of
the first medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of
the first medial opening; or (3) a free end of the outwardly
extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of
the first medial opening; and (d) a lateral interior midsole
sidewall that includes an outwardly extending lateral stem
projecting sideways away from a base surface of the lateral
interior midsole sidewall, wherein the outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the first lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region and has at least one
feature selected from the group consisting of: (1) the outwardly
extending lateral stem extends into the lateral opening beyond the
lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a
location at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral
sidewall region; (2) the outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the first lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the first lateral opening; or (3) a free end of
the outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the first lateral opening.
If desired, the medial sidewall region and the lateral sidewall
region may be integrally formed as parts of a unitary, one-piece
frame and/or a base support surface may connect the medial sidewall
region and the lateral sidewall region. Alternatively, if desired,
the medial sidewall region may be formed as a portion of a first
frame component and the lateral sidewall region may be formed as a
portion of a second frame component that is a separate part from
the first frame component.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the medial interior
midsole sidewall and the lateral interior midsole sidewall may be
integrally formed as parts of a unitary, one-piece midsole
component construction (optionally made of a foam material). A
plantar support surface may connect the medial interior midsole
sidewall and the lateral interior midsole sidewall. Alternatively,
if desired, the medial interior midsole sidewall may be formed as a
portion of a first interior midsole component and the lateral
interior midsole sidewall may be formed as a portion of a second
interior midsole component that is a separate part from the first
interior midsole component.
In some examples of this invention, the medial sidewall region of
the frame may include from 1 to 15 openings, the lateral sidewall
region of the frame may include from 1 to 15 openings, the medial
interior midsole sidewall may include from 1 to 15 outwardly
extending stems to engage the medial openings, and the lateral
interior midsole sidewall may include from 1 to 15 outwardly
extending stems to engage the lateral openings. In some examples,
from 2 to 12 openings and corresponding stems may be provided on
either or both sides, or from 3 to 10 openings and corresponding
stems may be provided on either or both sides. The illustrated sole
structures of FIGS. 1A-4J include 9 openings and stems on each side
and the illustrated sole structure of FIGS. 9A-9K includes 7
openings and stems on each side, although other arrangements and
options are possible.
Additional aspects of this invention relate to articles of
footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole structure engaged with
the upper, wherein the sole structure may have any of the features
and/or combination of features described above and/or described in
more detail below. In some such footwear structures, a rear heel
region of the upper may extend forward from a rearmost heel region
of the frame toward a forefoot region of the article of footwear,
and a rearmost heel surface of the rear heel region of the upper
may has a concave curvature moving in a direction from the frame
toward a top edge of the rear heel region of the upper (although a
flat structure or a convex curvature could be provided in some
examples, if desired). In some example upper structures, with the
article of footwear supported on its sole structure on a horizontal
support surface, the rear heel region of the upper may extend
forward (optionally with a concave curvature) from the rearmost
heel region of the frame toward the forefoot region of the article
of footwear at an angle of at least 20.degree. from a vertical
plane (and in some examples of this invention, at least 10.degree.,
at least 15.degree., or even at least 25.degree.).
II. Detailed Description of Specific Examples of this Invention
FIGS. 1A through 1G provide various views of an example article of
footwear 100 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. More specifically, FIG. 1A provides a lateral side view;
FIG. 1B provides a medial side view; FIG. 1C provides a rear/heel
view; FIG. 1D provides a top view; FIG. 1E provides a bottom view;
FIG. 1F provides a top/lateral side perspective view; and FIG. 1G
provides a top/medial side perspective view. The article of
footwear 100 includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 engaged
with the upper 102. The upper 102 and sole structure 104 may be
engaged together in any desired manner, including in manners
conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (such as by one
or more of adhesives or cements, stitching or sewing, mechanical
connectors, etc.).
The upper 102 of this example includes a foot-receiving opening 106
that provides access to an interior chamber into which the wearer's
foot is inserted. The upper 102 further may include a tongue member
108 located across the foot instep area and positioned to moderate
the feel of the closure system 110 on the wearer's foot (the
closure system 110 in this illustrated example constitutes a lace
type closure system). As shown in the specific examples of FIGS.
1A-1G, however, rather than including a separate tongue component,
this example upper 102 is formed as a unitary construction with an
instep covering component or portion 102a of the upper 102 and the
portions of the upper 102 forming the medial side area and the
lateral side area of the upper 102. In this manner, as shown in the
figures, the upper 102 has somewhat of a sock-like foot-receiving
opening 106 and/or a sock-like overall appearance.
The upper 102 may be made from any desired materials and/or in any
desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this
invention. As some more specific examples, at least a portion of
the upper 102 (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or
even all of the upper 102) may be formed as a woven textile
component and/or as a knitted textile component. The textile
components for upper 102, including portion 102a, may have
structures and/or constructions like those used in footwear
products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton,
Oreg.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper 102
construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging
structures (e.g., "dynamic" and/or "adaptive fit" structures),
e.g., of the types described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No.
2013/0104423, which publication is entirely incorporated herein by
reference. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers and
articles of footwear in accordance with this invention may include
foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in footwear
products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.
These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit
structures may at least partially wrap around and securely hold the
wearer's foot.
As yet another option or alternative, if desired, uppers 102 and
articles of footwear 100 in accordance with at least some examples
of this invention may include fused layers of upper materials,
e.g., uppers of the types that include upper materials bonded by
hot melt or other adhesive materials, such as in footwear products
commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. As still
additional examples, uppers of the types described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,347,011 and/or 8,429,835 may be used without departing from
this invention (each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and 8,429,835 is
entirely incorporated herein by reference).
In this illustrated example, the upper 102 includes a base member
102a (e.g., made from a woven or knit textile material, optionally
as a "sock-like" construction) that is partially covered with an
outer shell member 102b, which in this illustrated example forms an
exterior component for engaging the closure system 110 (e.g.,
includes lace eyelets). Components 102a and 102b may be fixed
together, if desired, by one or more of fusing techniques (e.g.,
hot melt adhesives), sewing, mechanical connectors, etc. The base
member 102a of this example extends continuously to cover the
instep area of the wearer's foot, provides the tongue member 108,
and extends around at least a majority of the wearer's foot at the
foot-receiving opening 106. The outer shell member 102b may be made
from a more durable and/or less stretchable material than the base
member 102a, e.g., to provide durability, wear resistance, and
support, such as a textile material, a polymer material (e.g., a
TPU, etc.), a leather material (e.g., synthetic or natural
leather), etc. The outer shell member 102b may be made from one or
more parts, and in this illustrated example extends to cover a
forward toe area, the midfoot sides (at both the lateral and medial
sides of the upper 102) and the rear heel area. At the rear heel
area, the outer shell member 102b may have a relatively elastic,
flexible, or conformable configuration, e.g., to help keep the
wearer's heel in the heel region of the shoe 100. As shown in FIGS.
1A, 1B, and 1D, the forefoot area of the outer shell member 102b
includes notches 102c generally at the forefoot flex joint areas of
the upper 102 (e.g., at the metatarsal phalangeal joint areas), to
help provide/improve/increase flexibility of the forefoot area of
the upper 102.
Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in this illustrated
example upper 102, the outer shell member 102b at the rear heel
area extends (or rakes) forward and away from a rearmost heel point
of the sole structure 104 (and toward the toe region of the
footwear 100). This feature helps the upper 102 fit snuggly around
the wearer's ankle and helps lock the foot into the deep cup (e.g.,
akin to a heel counter) formed by the rear heel region wall of the
sole member 104 (and specifically, the rear heel wall 302H of the
frame 300, as will be described in more detail below). In this
illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 1A, with the article of
footwear 100 supported on a horizontal support surface in an
unloaded condition, at the rear heel region, the outer shell member
102b extends forward at an angle .alpha. within a range of at least
20.degree. from a vertical plane VP, and in some examples at an
angle of at least 25.degree., at least 30.degree., at least
35.degree., at least 40.degree., or even at least 45.degree..
Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, a rear heel
region of the upper 102 (e.g., component 102b) may extend forward
from a rearmost heel region 300R of the frame 300 toward a forefoot
region of the article of footwear 100. As some more specific
examples, a rearmost heel surface 102HS of the rear heel region of
the upper 102 may have a flat surface or a concave curvature moving
in a direction from the frame 300 (e.g., its rearmost heel region
300R) toward a top edge 102E of the rear heel region of the upper
102. The potential shape of this concave curvature of surface 102HS
is highlighted by broken line 900 in FIG. 1B. This concave
curvature, when present, can help hold the upper 102 with the
wearer's foot. In other upper structures, however, a more convex
shaped rearmost heel surface 102HS could be used, if desired. The
upper 102 (e.g., the outer shell member 102b) may be made from a
stretchable material in order to comfortably receive the wearer's
heel and help position and hold the heel in the heel cup of the
sole member 104.
The sole structure 104 of this illustrated example, as well as sole
structures in accordance with at least some aspects of this
invention, now will be described in more detail in conjunction with
FIGS. 1A-2J. In these figures, FIG. 2A includes a top view of an
example sole structure 104 in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention; FIG. 2B includes a bottom view; FIG. 2C
includes a medial side view; FIG. 2D includes a lateral side view;
FIG. 2E includes a rear/heel view; FIG. 2F includes a front/toe
view; FIG. 2G provides a longitudinal vertical cross sectional view
along line A-A in FIG. 2A; FIG. 2H provides a transverse vertical
cross sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 2A; FIG. 2I provides a
transverse vertical cross sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 2A;
and FIG. 2J provides a transverse vertical cross sectional view
along line D-D in FIG. 2A.
While other configurations, parts, and/or combinations of parts are
possible, in this illustrated example, the sole structure 104
comprises four main components (although some components may have
multiple independent parts). One component of the sole structure
104 is an outer frame 300, which also is individually illustrated
in FIGS. 3A-3D. The frame 300 may at least in part form a
receptacle that houses (and protects) an inner midsole core
component 400, which also is individually illustrated in FIGS.
4A-4D. The sole structure 104 further includes: (a) a set of "high
wear" outsole component parts 500 for high wear areas (e.g., at the
medial heel and forefoot areas, as also shown in FIGS. 5A-5D) and
(b) a set of other lightweight, but wear resistant, outsole
component parts 600 for lower wear areas (e.g., through the midfoot
and surrounding areas of the sole member 104, as also shown in
FIGS. 6A-6D). Features of the sole member 104 component parts 300,
400, 500, and 600 will be described in more detail below.
FIGS. 2A-2J and 3A-3D illustrate various features of a midsole
frame 300 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. This frame 300 also may be conceptually considered as a
cage or carrier, e.g., for holding another component, such as core
component 400. In this illustrated example sole structure 104, the
frame 300 forms a base of the footwear 100 midsole structure, and
it may be formed from a polymer foam material, such as a relatively
dense and/or durable ethylvinylacetate foam, e.g., of the types
conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (such as
injection Phylon, a combination of Phylon and rubber, PHYLITE.RTM.
(outsole and midsole components from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton,
Oreg.), etc.). This frame 300 also may be formed by conventional
techniques as are known and used in the art, such as compression
molding, injection molding, etc.
This frame 300, as also shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, includes a medial
sidewall 302M located on a medial side of the sole structure 104
and a lateral sidewall 302L located on a lateral side of the sole
structure 104. In this illustrated example, the medial side wall
302M and the lateral sidewall 302L extend an entire length of the
sole structure 104, from a rearmost heel location to a forwardmost
toe location. Alternatively, if desired, the medial side wall 302M
and/or the lateral sidewall 302L may extend less than an entire
length of the sole structure 104 (e.g., and may be provided in one
or more of: a forefoot area, a midfoot area, a heel area, etc.)
and/or may be discontinuous (e.g., having one or more gaps along
length). In this illustrated example, the frame 300 further
includes a rear heel wall 302H that extends around a rear heel area
of the sole structure 104 and connects the medial side wall 302M
and the lateral side wall 302L.
The frame 300 of this example further includes a bottom base
support surface 302S that interconnects the medial side wall 302M
and the lateral side wall 302L across the bottom. In this
illustrated example, the bottom base support surface 302S extends
completely from the rearmost heel area to the forward most toe area
of the sole structure 104 and also completely from the lateral side
edge and lateral sidewall 302L to the medial side edge and medial
sidewall 302M of the sole structure 104 to provide a complete
support for the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. A smaller
bottom base support surface 302S could be provided, however,
without departing from this invention, including one that extends
less than an entire length of the sole structure 104 (e.g., and
which could be provided in one or more of: a forefoot area, a
midfoot area, a heel area, etc.) and/or one that is discontinuous
and/or provided as multiple separate component parts (e.g., having
one or more gaps or junctions along its length and/or width). As
another option, if desired, the bottom base support surface 302S
may be omitted and the frame 300 may be made as one or more
sidewalls 302L and/or 302M.
As best shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, and 3C, the exterior
302B of the bottom base support surface 302S of this example
includes flex grooves defined therein to promote desired flex of
the base support surface 302S. While the flex grooves may be
provided in any desired arrangements and/or orientations, in this
illustrated example, generally transverse flex grooves 304 are
provided at least in the forefoot and/or midfoot regions to promote
flexion during a step cycle (when the wearer's weight transitions
from the heel to the forefoot). The rearmost flex grooves 306
extend somewhat more in a rear lateral-to-forward medial direction
to promote flex of the base support surface 302S on a heel strike
of a step cycle (when the weight transitions from the lateral
side-to-medial side of the heel/foot). The medial sidewall 302M,
lateral sidewall 302L, rear heel wall 302H, and bottom base support
surface 302S form an interior receptacle for receiving a midsole
core component 400, as will be described in more detail below. As
shown in FIGS. 2G and 2J, the rear heel wall 302H and rear heel
sides of the frame 300 extend substantially upward, creating a deep
"heel cup" for receiving the core component 400 and/or engaging a
wearer's heel (and optionally providing support akin to a heel
counter type structure). If desired, at its highest rear heel point
P1, the rear heel wall 302H may extend upward from a horizontal
support surface by a distance (dimension H1 in FIG. 2G) of at least
1.25 inch, and in some examples, at least 1.5 inch, at least 1.75
inch, or even at least 2 inches. Additionally or alternatively, if
desired, the dimension H2 from a central heel support surface of
support surface 400S of midsole core component 400 to the highest
rear heel point P1, as shown in FIG. 2G, may be at least 0.75 inch,
and in some examples, at least 1 inch, at least 1.25 inch, at least
1.5 inch, or even at least 1.75 inch. As another option or
alternative, if desired, the dimension H4 from a rearmost point of
the midsole core component 400 to the top rim of the rear heel wall
302H at its highest location P1, as shown in FIG. 2G, may be at
least 0.5 inch, and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch, at least
1 inch, or even at least 1.25 inch. These dimensional features
provide the deep "heel cup" described above for securely holding
the wearer's foot. These deep heel cup features also may allow this
example footwear 100/sole structure 104 to avoid use of a
conventional plastic heel counter type structure as a separate
part, as is known and used in the art.
As further shown in several figures, the medial sidewall 302M and
the lateral sidewall 302L of this illustrated example sole
structure 104 include several openings 310 defined through them.
These openings 310 improve flexibility of the sole structure 104
and frame 300 to promote desired flexion of the sole structure 104,
particularly when the wearer's weight transitions from the heel to
the forefoot during a step cycle. The sidewall openings 310 and the
flex grooves 304/306 may be sized and positioned relative to one
another so as to cooperate and/or to promote the desired level of
flexion of the sole structure 104. While nine openings 310 are
shown on each of the medial sidewall 302M and the lateral sidewall
302L in this illustrated example, other numbers and/or arrangements
of openings 310 are possible, including one or more of the
following: more openings, fewer openings, more openings on one side
as compared to the other side, no openings on one side or the other
side, heel region based openings, toe region based openings,
vertically stacked openings, vertically staggered openings,
openings at different longitudinal spacings, etc. A potential
location of a heel region based opening 310H is shown in broken
lines in FIGS. 3B and 3D. Also, while the openings 310 are shown as
circular and having a circular vertical cross sectional shape (and
an overall cylindrical shape), different shapes may be provided
without departing from this invention, including square,
rectangular, triangular, other polygonal shapes, oval, elliptical,
star shaped, U-shaped, irregularly shaped, etc. The same or
different shapes and/or the same or different combinations of
shapes may be provided on the lateral sidewall 302L as compared to
the medial sidewall 302M and/or a single sidewall may include two
or more different shapes.
In the illustrated example, the openings 310 all are shown as
having a circular vertical cross sectional shape, although the
openings 310 differ in size moving in the heel-to-toe direction.
More specifically, in this illustrated example, the openings 310
get progressively larger in vertical cross sectional area (e.g.,
diameter in this illustrated example) moving in a direction from
the toe to the heel except the rearmost opening 310 (excluding
opening 310H) is somewhat smaller than the penultimate opening in
the heel direction. The somewhat smaller rearmost opening 310 may
help keep the heel area somewhat more structured and supportive
(and less flexible) to engage the wearer's foot. The sizes of the
openings 310 can be controlled to provide the desired levels of
support/flexion.
As some more specific examples, the largest opening(s) 310 on one
sidewall may have a vertical cross sectional area that is at least
6 times, and in some examples, at least 8 times, at least 10 times,
or even at least 12 times greater than the vertical cross sectional
area of the smallest opening(s) 310 on that same sidewall. From a
more absolute dimensional point of view, the sidewall openings 310
may range in vertical cross sectional area, for example, from about
12 mm.sup.2 for the smallest opening(s) 310 to about 720 mm.sup.2
for the largest opening(s) 310. The smallest opening 310 on one
sidewall 302M/302L may have a vertical cross sectional area within
a range of 12 mm.sup.2 to 40 mm.sup.2 and/or the largest opening
310 on a sidewall 302M/302 (e.g., that same sidewall 302M/302L) may
have a vertical cross sectional area in a range from 400 mm.sup.2
to 720 mm.sup.2. Additionally or alternatively, the size(s) of the
opening(s) 310 may correspond to a thickness of the overall midsole
at the location of the respective opening 310 (e.g., including the
thickness of core component 400 described in more detail
below).
FIGS. 2I-2J also show that in this example the openings 310 extend
through the sidewalls 302M and 302L in a manner so as to produce:
(a) a cylindrical interior surface 3101 in the openings 310 from
the medial sidewall outer surface 302MO to the medial sidewall
inner surface 302MI and (b) a cylindrical interior surface 3101 in
the openings 310 from the lateral sidewall outer surface 302LO to
the lateral sidewall inner surface 302LI. The cylindrical interior
surface 3101 need not have a circular vertical cross sectional
shape, but rather may have any desired vertical cross sectional
shape, including, for example, square, rectangular, triangular,
other polygonal shapes, oval, elliptical, star shaped, U-shaped,
irregularly shaped, etc., as identified above. Thus, in these
example structures, the vertical cross sectional area of the
openings 310 does not change (or does not significantly change)
over their axial length from their outer surface to their inner
surface. In other examples, the cross sectional area may change
over the axial length of the opening 310 from the inside surface
302MI/302LI to the outside surface 302MO/302LO thereof, e.g.,
increasing in area moving from inside to out, decreasing in area
moving from inside to out, increasing and decreasing moving from
inside to out, etc. Other shapes and/or arrangements are possible
without departing from this invention, including a truncated
conical or frustoconical shaped interior surface(s) 3101, tapered
interior surface(s) 3101, etc. The terms "vertical cross sectional
area" and "vertical cross sectional shape" of the opening(s) 310 as
used herein in this context, mean the area(s) or shape(s) in
vertical section with the frame 300, sole 104, and/or article of
footwear supported on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded
condition and with the vertical cross sectional plane extending
across an axial direction of the respective opening 310.
As some additional examples, the largest opening(s) 310 on one
sidewall may have a cross sectional area that is at least 6 times,
and in some examples, at least 8 times, at least 10 times, or even
at least 12 times greater than the cross sectional area of the
smallest opening(s) 310 on that same sidewall. From a more absolute
dimensional point of view, the sidewall openings 310 may range in
cross sectional area, for example, from about 12 mm.sup.2 for the
smallest opening(s) 310 to about 720 mm.sup.2 for the largest
opening(s) 310. The smallest opening 310 on one sidewall 302M/302L
may have a cross sectional area within a range of 12 mm.sup.2 to 40
mm.sup.2 and/or the largest opening 310 on a sidewall 302M/302
(e.g., that same sidewall 302M/302L) may have a cross sectional
area in a range from 400 mm.sup.2 to 720 mm.sup.2. Additionally or
alternatively, the size(s) of the opening(s) 310 may correspond to
a thickness of the overall midsole at the location of the
respective opening 310 (e.g., including the thickness of core
component 400 described in more detail below). The term "cross
sectional area" as used in this context means a cross sectional
area oriented in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the
respective opening 310.
As noted above, the frame 300 (including its medial sidewall 302M,
lateral sidewall 302L, rear heel wall 302H, and bottom base support
surface 302S) forms an interior receptacle for receiving a midsole
core component 400 (e.g., akin to a cupsole configuration). This
example midsole core component 400 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2J and
FIGS. 4A-4D. The midsole core component 400 of this example
includes an upper plantar support surface 400S, which in this
example extends to support substantially all of a wearer's foot
(all except the very forward toe area, which is truncated off at
edge 400E as the overall sole structure 104 becomes thinner at that
forward toe area). The plantar support surface 400S may be
contoured, e.g., to comfortably support and/or help position a
plantar surface of a wearer's foot.
The midsole core component 400 of this illustrated example is made
from a polymer foam material, which may be a foam material that is
softer (and optionally less durable and/or less dense) than the
foam material (or other material) making up the frame 300. As some
more specific examples, the midsole core component 400 may
constitute a foam material (such as ethylvinylacetate ("EVA") foam,
polyurethane foam, Phylon foam, and the like). The midsole core
component 400 may be at least partially made from a foam material
having a density of less than 0.25 g/cm.sup.3 (and in some
examples, a density of less than 0.2 g/cm.sup.3, within the range
of 0.075 to 0.2 g/cm.sup.3, and even within the range of 0.1 to
0.18 g/cm.sup.3). If desired, the foam material of core component
400 may include one or more openings defined therein and/or another
impact-force attenuating component included with it, such as a
fluid-filled bladder, a mechanical shock absorbing member, etc. In
certain embodiments of this invention, the entire midsole core
component 400 will constitute this lightweight foam material (e.g.,
with a density feature as described above) and will extend to
support the complete foot of the wearer (e.g., the complete plantar
surface, except potentially the extreme forward toe area, as
mentioned above).
As some even more specific examples, at least some (and optionally
all) of the midsole core component 400 may be made from a foam
material as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,941,938,
which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference, and
optionally the frame 300 may be made from a material like those for
carrier components described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,941,938. The
midsole core component 400 may have a resiliency of greater than
40%, greater than 45%, at least 50%, and in one aspect from 50-70%.
Compression set may be 60% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, and
in some instances, within the range of 20 to 60%. The hardness
(Durometer Asker C) of the foam material for the core component 400
may be, for example, 25 to 50, 25 to 45, 25 to 35, or 35 to 45,
e.g., depending on the intended use of the footwear. The tensile
strength of the foam material for the core component 400 may be at
least 15 kg/cm.sup.2, and typically 15 to 40 kg/cm.sup.2. The
elongation % may be 150 to 500, typically above 250. The tear
strength may be 6-15 kg/cm, typically above 7. In at least some
example constructions according to the invention, the foam material
of at least some portion of the core component 400 may have lower
energy loss and may be more lightweight than traditional EVA foams.
The energy loss may be less than 30%, and optionally within the
range of about 20% to about 30%. As additional examples, if
desired, at least some portion of the midsole core component 400
may be made from foam materials used in footwear products available
from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.
While the above paragraphs describe potential properties and
features of foam materials for midsole core components 400 in
accordance with some examples of this invention, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the midsole core component 400 may have
other desired properties, features, and/or combinations of features
without departing from this invention. Other lightweight and/or low
density foams also may be used. As another example, a polyurethane
based foam may be used to provide improved resiliency/energy
return/bounce back under foot. Because of the frame 300 described
in detail above, the lightweight midsole core component 400 (e.g.,
made of foam or a fluid-filled bladder) need not necessarily have
sufficient hardness, durability, and/or abrasion resistance to
directly contact the ground in use (at least not at some higher
impact ground contact locations). As shown in FIG. 2G, in at least
some examples of this invention, the midsole core component 400 may
have a heel region thickness H3 of at least 0.4 inch, and in some
examples, at least 0.5 inch, at least 0.6 inch, or even at least
0.75 inch.
As evident from FIGS. 4A-4D, this example midsole core component
400 includes a series of outwardly extending medial stems 402M that
project sideways away from a base surface 402MB of a medial
interior midsole sidewall 400M of the core component 400 (which may
be made of a foam material). Similarly, this example midsole core
component 400 includes a series of outwardly extending lateral
stems 402L that project sideways away from a base surface 402LB of
a lateral interior midsole sidewall 400L of the core component 400
(which may be made from a foam material). These medial stems 402M
and lateral stems 402L are configured to fit into the openings 310
provided in the medial sidewall 302M and lateral sidewall 302L,
respectively, of the frame 300, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A-2J. As
the medial stem(s) 402M and lateral stem(s) 402L are designed to be
received in the opening(s) 310 and optionally complementarily fit
(e.g., tightly fit) into their respective openings 310, the medial
stems 402M and the lateral stems 402L may have any of the
variations in sizes, numbering, relative sizes, ranges of sizes,
combination of sizes, positions, orientations, shapes,
cross-sectional shapes, cross-sectional areas, and the like as
described above for the openings 310.
As some specific examples, the largest stem(s) 402L, 402M on one
side may have a cross sectional area that is at least 6 times, and
in some examples, at least 8 times, at least 10 times, or even at
least 12 times greater than the cross sectional area of the
smallest stem(s) 402L, 402M on that same side. From a more absolute
dimensional point of view, the stems 402L, 402M may range in cross
sectional area, for example, from about 12 mm.sup.2 for the
smallest stem(s) 402L, 402M to about 720 mm.sup.2 for the largest
stem(s) 402L, 402M. The smallest stem 402L, 402M on one side may
have a cross sectional area within a range of 12 mm.sup.2 to 40
mm.sup.2 and/or the largest stem 402L, 402M on a side (e.g., that
same sidewall 302M/302L) may have a cross sectional area in a range
from 400 mm.sup.2 to 720 mm.sup.2. Additionally or alternatively,
the size(s) of the stem(s) 402L, 402M may correspond to a thickness
of the overall midsole at the location of the respective stem(s)
402L, 402M. The term "cross sectional area" as used in this context
means a cross sectional area oriented in a plane perpendicular to
an axial direction of the respective stem 402L, 402M.
As shown in the figures, the outwardly extending medial stem(s)
402M extend into the opening(s) 310 provided on the medial sidewall
302M of the frame 300 and/or the outwardly extending lateral
stem(s) 402L extend into the opening(s) 310 provided on the lateral
sidewall 302L of the frame 300. One or more of the medial stems
402M may extend beyond the medial inner surface 302MI of the medial
sidewall 302M and optionally at least to a location at or adjacent
the medial outer surface 302MO of the medial sidewall 302M, e.g.,
as shown in FIGS. 2I and 2J. Similarly, one or more of the lateral
stems 402L may extend beyond the lateral inner surface 302LI of the
lateral sidewall 302L and optionally at least to a location at or
adjacent the lateral outer surface 302LO of the lateral sidewall
302L, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2I and 2J. Referring to FIG. 4E (a
vertical and transverse cross sectional view through a stem
402L/402M and opening 310), the terminology extending "to a
location at or adjacent" the outer surface (302MO, 302LO) of a
sidewall (302M, 302L) as used herein in this context means that,
with the sole structure 104 oriented on a horizontal support
surface S in an upright manner and in an unloaded condition (i.e.,
with no external load applied to the sole member 104 other than
potentially the weight of the footwear components with which it is
engaged, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2G-2J), a vertical
plane (VP1) contacting an outermost extent of the free end of the
stem 402M/402L will be located within a distance D of 5 mm from a
vertical plane (VP2) contacting an outermost extent of the
respective window 310 edge 310E (e.g., where the opening 310
interior surface 3101 meets the outer wall 302MO/302LO) into which
that stem 402M/402L is received. The free end of the stem 402L/402M
may be located within the distance D and located inside the
outermost extent of the window 310 edge 310E or outside the
outermost extent of the window 310 edge 310E. For window 310 edges
310E having a rounded opening edge, the outermost extent of the
rounded edge 310E is located where the tangent to the rounded edge
curve becomes more vertical than horizontal. In some examples of
this invention, the outermost extent of the free end of the stem
402M/402L will be located at a distance D of 3 mm or less or even 2
mm or less from the outermost extent of the window 310 edge
310E.
Additionally or alternatively, stem(s) 402M/402L may have an
exterior surface 402X that is "complementary" shaped with respect
to the interior surface(s) 3101 of the respective opening(s) 310 in
which they are received. The term "complementary" shaped as used
herein in this context means that with the sole structure 104
oriented on a horizontal support surface S in an upright manner and
in an unloaded condition (i.e., with no external load applied to
the sole member 104 other than potentially the weight of the
footwear components with which it is engaged, e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2G-2J), the exterior surface 402X of the stem
402M/402L directly contacts and/or lies within 3 mm of the interior
surface 3101 of the opening 310 over at least 25% of an axial
length AL of the opening 310, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4F (a
transverse and vertical cross sectional view through a stem
402L/402M and its opening 310). The axial length AL is defined as
the shortest dimension of the opening 310 (through the opening 310)
from the carrier interior wall 302MI/302LI to its exterior wall
302MO/302LO for that opening 310. In some examples of this
invention, the exterior surface 402X of the stem 402M/402L will
directly contact and/or lie within 2 mm or even within 1 mm of the
interior surface 3101 of the opening 310 over at least 25% of an
axial length AL of the opening 310. Additionally or alternatively,
in some examples of this invention, the exterior surface 402X of
the stem 402M/402L will directly contact and/or lie within 3 mm of
the interior surface 3101 of the opening 310 over at least 50%, at
least 75%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of an axial length AL
of the opening 310. In some examples, the stem 402M/402L will
snuggly fit in its respective opening 310 over at least 50%, at
least 75%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of an axial length AL
of the opening 310.
In some examples of this invention, the free end(s) of the medial
stem(s) 402M and/or the lateral stem(s) 402L may include at least a
portion that extends outward beyond the outermost extent (e.g.,
outermost edges) of the respective opening(s) 310 in which they are
received (by any desired distance), e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-2J.
This may be determined, for example, as shown in FIG. 4G (a
transverse and vertical cross sectional view through a stem
402L/402M and opening 310), with the sole structure 104 oriented on
a horizontal support surface S in an upright manner and in an
unloaded condition (i.e., with no external load applied to the sole
member 104 other than potentially the weight of the footwear
components with which it is engaged, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2C,
2D, and 2G-2J), when a vertical plane (VP1) contacting an outermost
extent of the free end of the stem 402M/402L is located outside of
a location of a vertical plane (VP2) contacting an outermost extent
of the respective window 310 edge 310E (at the outer wall
302MO/302LO) into which that stem 402M/402L is received. For window
310 edges 310E having a rounded opening edge, the outermost extent
of the rounded edge 310E is located where the tangent to the
rounded edge curve becomes more vertical than horizontal. The
outermost extent of the free end of the stem 402M/402L may extend
outward outside of the window 310 edge 310E any desired distance,
e.g., at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, in the range of 1 mm and 25 mm,
in the range of 1 mm to 15 mm, etc. In other example structures,
the outermost extent of the free end of the stem 402L/402M may be
located at or inside the window 310 edge 310E, e.g., within a
distance of 5 mm or less (and in some examples, within a distance
of 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, or even 1 mm or less) from the
window 310 edge 310E.
The midsole core component 400 may be engaged with the frame 300 in
any desired manner without departing from this invention. For
example, if the midsole core component 400 is made as a single
piece, it may be sufficiently flexible (e.g., made from flexible
foam material) such that it can be folded longitudinally, placed
down into the receptacle formed by the interior wall surfaces
302MI/302LI of the frame 300, and then released so that the core
component 400 flattens out and the stems 402M/402L on each side
extend outward into their respective openings 310, e.g., into the
configurations and orientations shown in FIGS. 2A-2J. The bottom
major surface 400B of the core component 400 and/or the top
interior surface (base support surface) 302S of the frame 300 may
include a cement or adhesive to allow these component parts to be
fixed together. If desired, one or more of the stems 402L/402M may
be fixed to the interior sidewalls 3101 of their respective
openings 310 (e.g., by cements, fusing techniques, or in other
manners). Alternatively, if desired, the exterior surface(s) 402X
of one or more of the stems 402M/402L and the interior surfaces
3101 of one or more of their respective openings 310 may lack any
cements or adhesives (or may not otherwise be fixedly engaged
together) so that the exterior surface(s) of the stem(s) 402M/402L
may move somewhat with respect to the interior surface(s) 3101 of
their respective openings 310.
If desired, in at least some examples of this invention, when the
sole structure 104 is compressed under a wearer's foot (e.g., when
landing a step or jump), this may cause one or more of the stems
402M/402L at least in the weight bearing area(s) of the sole
structure 104, to extend outward somewhat with respect to their
openings 310 when nothing has fixed the stem(s) 402M/402L with
respect to their openings 310, e.g., due to the Poisson effect.
This outward extension of the stem(s) 402M/402L with respect to
their openings 310 can provide an interesting visual/dynamic
effect. Even in examples of this invention in which the stem(s)
402L/402M are fixed over some portion of their axial length(s) to
the interior surface(s) 3101 of their respective opening(s) 310,
this outward "bulging" effect still may be observed when sufficient
force is applied, e.g., due to outward expansion/extension of the
free end surface of the stem(s) 402L/402M under the applied force
due to the Poisson effect.
Rather than a one-piece midsole core component 400, if desired, the
midsole core component 400 could constitute multiple parts. For
example, as shown in FIG. 4H, the midsole core component 400 may be
made from a medial side part 420M and a lateral side part 420L that
meet at interface 4201. The interface 4201 may be located down a
longitudinal centerline of the core component 400 and/or the medial
side part 420M and the lateral side part 420L may be asymmetric in
size and/or shape as compared to one another. This multi-part
construction may ease assembly of the overall sole component 104,
as the stems from one side (e.g., 402M) can be inserted into their
respective openings 310 with one half of the core component (e.g.,
420M) while most of the frame 300 receptacle remains open, and then
the stems from the other side (e.g., 402L) can be inserted into
their respective openings 310 with the other half of the core
component (e.g., 420L). As another option, as shown in FIG. 4I, the
midsole core component 400 could be made of three longitudinally
arranged parts, namely: a medial side part 430M, a lateral side
part 430L, and a central part 430C. This multi-part construction
also could ease the assembly process (e.g., ease insertion of the
core components 400 into the frame 300, particularly when contact
cement is used to secure these parts together). In this
arrangement, the side parts 430M and 430L could be engaged by
inserting their stems 402M/402L into their respective openings 310
while a relatively large area of the frame 300 receptacle remains
open and then the central part 430C could be secured in place once
the side parts 430M and 430L are in place. Other sizes and/or
divisions of the midsole core component 400 could be used, if
desired, including: separating the midsole core component 400 into
more parts; separating the midsole core component 400 into two or
more of: a forefoot part, a heel part, a midfoot part, a forward
half, a rearward half, etc.; providing a midsole core component 400
with stem(s) 402L/402M only in a portion of the foot support (e.g.,
only in a heel portion of the sole structure 104, only in a
forefoot portion of the sole structure 104, only in a midfoot
portion of the sole structure, etc.); and the like. FIGS. 9A-9K,
described in more detail below, provide another example of a sole
structure 104 with a multi-part core component 400.
While the above described examples of this invention included a
foam type midsole core component 400, if desired, this foam core
component 400 could be replaced in whole or in part with a
fluid-filled bladder component, e.g., of the types that are
conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. When formed as
a fluid-filled bladder component, the fluid-filled bladder
component may be sized and shaped in the same manner as the foam
component described above. When one or more stems 402M/402L are
made as fluid-filled bladder components (optionally in fluid
communication with a larger, plantar support fluid-filled bladder
portion), this may enhance the outward "bulging" effect observed
when areas of the sole structure 104 receive an impact force or
weight (particularly if the stems 402M/402L are not fixedly engaged
with the interior surfaces 3101 of their respective openings 310
over at least some portion of the axial lengths).
In the example structures described above, the stems 402M/402L are
integrally formed with and constitute continuous parts (integral,
one-piece constructions) with the main base of the midsole core
component 400 (e.g., a continuous structure with the midsole
component including the plantar support surface 400S). Other
options are possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 4J, one or more
of the stems 402M/402L may be formed as separate "plug" type
members having an interior surface 440 that abuts against a
sidewall 442 of a foam or fluid-filled bladder base member 444
(including plantar support surface 400S) at or within an the
interior location of opening 310. In this manner, the sole
structure 104 could be assembled by: (a) inserting a "stem-less"
foam or fluid-filled bladder base member 444 into the frame 300
interior receptacle and (b) inserting the stems 402M/402L into
their respective openings 310 from an exterior side thereof (e.g.,
through the exterior outer walls 302MO/302LO of frame 300 at the
openings 310). Alternatively, the stems 402M/402L could be inserted
into their respective openings 310 from the inside of the frame 300
(through interior walls 302LI/302MI) and then the "stemless" base
member 444 could be inserted into the receptacle formed by the
frame 300.
FIGS. 5A through 5D show various views (top view, bottom view,
lateral side view, and medial side view, respectively) of more
durable outsole components 500 in this example of the invention
with their relative locations in the overall sole structure 104
shown. While other arrangements, numbers, and/or orientations of
these types of outsole components 500 are possible, in this
illustrated example, outsole components 500 include four separate
components, namely: a medial heel component 500A, a medial/mid heel
component 500B, and two forward toe components 500C and 500D. The
individual outsole components 500 are separated from one another at
locations corresponding to the flex grooves 304 and/or 306 in the
frame 300 to help promote and/or maintain high flexibility of the
overall sole structure 104, particularly in the heel-to-toe
direction and/or in a direction corresponding to the center of
forces applied to a sole structure 104 during a step cycle (e.g.,
rolling from lateral side-to-medial side and from heel-to-toe). The
outsole components 500 in this illustrated example are attached to
the bottom base surface 302B of the frame 300, e.g., in recesses
formed in the frame 300 (e.g., during its production by molding) to
accept the individual outsole components 500. This attachment may
be made via adhesives or cements (or in any other desired
manner).
FIGS. 6A through 6D show various views (top view, bottom view,
lateral side view, and medial side view, respectively) of another
set of outsole components 600 in this example of the invention with
their relative locations in the overall sole structure 104 shown.
These outsole components 600 may be made of a somewhat lighter,
softer, more flexible material as compared to the material(s) of
outsole components 500. While other arrangements, numbers, and/or
orientations of these types of outsole components 600 are possible,
in this illustrated example, outsole components 600 include seven
separate components extending generally transverse across the sole
structure 104 (from the medial side edge to the lateral side edge
of sole structure 104), namely outsole components 600A (rearmost),
600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, and 600G (forwardmost). The
individual outsole components 600A-600G are separated from one
another at locations corresponding to the flex grooves 304 and/or
306 in the frame 300 to help promote and/or maintain high
flexibility of the overall sole structure 104, particularly in the
heel-to-toe direction and/or in a direction corresponding to the
center of forces applied to a sole structure 104 during a step
cycle (e.g., rolling from lateral side-to-medial side and from
heel-to-toe). As shown, for example, in FIG. 2B, the bottom surface
302S of the frame member 300 is exposed at the bottom of the sole
structure 104 at locations between adjacent outsole components 500,
600, and the flex grooves 304, 306 also are exposed at the bottom
of this example sole structure 104. The outsole components 600 in
this illustrated example are attached to the bottom base surface
302B of the frame 300, e.g., in recesses formed in the frame 300
(e.g., during its production by molding) to accept the individual
outsole components 600. This attachment may be made via adhesives
or cements (or in any other desired manner).
The outsole components 500, 600 may be made from any desired
materials without departing from this invention, including outsole
materials as are conventionally known and used in the footwear
arts. Also, more or fewer different types of outsole components may
be used in a single footwear sole structure 104, including only one
type of outsole component (rather than the two types shown in FIGS.
5A-6D), three or more different types, etc. As other possible
options or alternatives, if desired, any two or more of the
individual outsole components 500A-500D and/or 600A-600G may be
formed as a single part, e.g., optionally with flexion grooves or
other flex features provided to help maintain the flexible nature
of the overall sole structure 104. Additionally or alternatively,
outsole components also may be split in the longitudinal direction
of the sole structure 104, e.g., into medial side parts and lateral
side parts, to promote and/or maintain flexibility of the sole
structure 104 in the longitudinal (lateral side-to-medial side)
direction. Longitudinal grooves in the bottom base support surface
302B of the frame 300 also may be provided to promote this type of
longitudinal flexion, if necessary or desired.
Additional potential features of articles of footwear and/or sole
structures in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention are illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal
vertical cross sectional view of a sole structure 104 supported on
a horizontal support surface S in an unloaded condition. The sole
structure 104 has a longitudinal length L from a rearmost heel
point to a forwardmost toe point. Vertical planes are shown in FIG.
7 oriented perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S and
between a first vertical plane located at the rearmost heel
location (P=0 L) and a second vertical plane located at the
forwardmost toe location (P=1 L). The locations of other vertical
planes in FIG. 7 are identified by their relative location along
the longitudinal length L using the rearmost heel location (P=0 L)
as the origin for measurement. The sole structure 104 of this
illustrated example has an upwardly extending heel region and an
upwardly extending forefoot region (e.g., having its exterior
bottom surface 700B extending upward from a horizontal base surface
S on which the sole structure 104 is supported). In at least some
examples of this invention (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), when moving
rearward, the exterior bottom surface 700B of the heel region will
begin curving upward toward the rear heel region at a location
forward of a vertical plane located at 0.2 L, and even forward of a
vertical plane located at 0.25 L (and at a vertical plane located
at about 0.26 L in this specific illustrated example). As further
shown in FIG. 7, the top portion of the rear heel region of frame
300 may begin to curve forward, back toward the toe end (e.g.,
shown at frame edge 300X).
Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this
invention (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), when moving forward, the
exterior bottom surface 700B of the forefoot region will begin
curving upward toward the forward toe region at a location rearward
of a vertical plane located at 0.65 L, and even rearward of a
vertical plane located at 0.6 L (and at a vertical plane located at
about 0.58 L in this specific illustrated example). Thus, in these
examples, less than 45% of the longitudinal length (e.g., from
P=0.2 L to P=0.65 L) of the exterior bottom surface 700B of the
sole structure 104 provides horizontal contact/support in a
stationary position on a horizontal base surface S, and the
exterior bottom surface 700B of the sole structure 104 curves
upward toward the heel (to provide a "heel rocker" type structure)
and upward toward the toe (to provide a "forefoot rocker" type
structure) from opposite ends of this central longitudinal base
area 700C. This central longitudinal base area 700C may cover less
than 40% or even less than 35% of the overall longitudinal length L
of the sole structure 104 in some examples (with about 32% (from
P=0.26 L to P=0.58 L) present in this specific illustrated
example).
At the rear heel region, the exterior surface 700B of the sole
structure 104 may curve upwardly and rearwardly to a height HR
(from the horizontal base support surface S) at which the exterior
surface 700B of the sole structure 104 contacts the rearmost
vertical plane (at P=0 L). This height HR may have a dimension
corresponding at least to a dimension of 0.1 L, and in some
examples, at least 0.12 L or even at least 0.14 L. Additionally or
alternatively, at the forward toe region, the exterior surface 700B
of the sole structure 104 may curve upwardly and forwardly to a
height HF (from the horizontal base support surface S) at which the
exterior surface of the sole structure 104 contacts the forwardmost
vertical plane (at P=1 L). This height HF may have a dimension
corresponding at least to a dimension of 0.1 L, and in some
examples, at least 0.12 L or even at least 0.14 L. The upwardly
curved heel and toe regions of the exterior surface 700B of the
sole member 104 support and/or promote rolling of the foot from the
heel to the toe during a step cycle.
FIG. 7 further illustrates that this example sole structure 104 has
a "heel lift" or "heel/forefoot offset," e.g., greater thickness of
the midsole/sole structure at the heel as compared to at the
forefoot. The heel lift of this example sole member 104 may be at
least 10 mm, and in some examples, at least 12 mm, or even at least
14 mm. In this specifically illustrated example, the sole and/or
the midsole thickness may be about 28 mm in the heel and about 14
mm in the forefoot. This heel lift also helps promote and support
rolling of the foot from the heel to the toe (heel-to-toe
transition) during a step cycle.
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate potential shaping features of a sole
structure 104 (e.g., outsole components 500 and/or 600, and/or
frames 300) in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. In the example sole structures described above, e.g.,
shown in FIGS. 2H-2J, the bottom surface of the sole structure 104
defines a generally horizontal contact surface in the transverse
(medial side-to-lateral side) direction. Other options are
possible. For example, FIG. 8A shows a sole structure 104 for an
example article of footwear in which at least some portion of the
outsole component(s) 500 and/or 600, and/or the frame 300 bows
upward from one side to the other side. This can be seen, for
example, by the space between the indicated horizontal support
surface S and the bottom of outsole components 600 in the central
area of the sole 104 in FIG. 8A (note that support surface S
contacts the outsole component(s) 600 at the side edges 800M and
800L of the sole structure 104 but does not contact the outsole
component(s) 600 in the central area 800C).
To further illustrate this potential feature, FIGS. 8B-8D are based
on FIGS. 2H-2J, respectively, which show a forefoot cross section,
a midfoot cross section, and a heel cross section, respectively of
a sole structure 104. A horizontal base surface S is shown in these
figures as a broken line. As is evident from FIGS. 2H-2J, the
bottommost surfaces of the sole member 104 (e.g., outsole
components 500/600) contact this horizontal base surface S at
various locations across the sole structure 104 (from the lateral
side to the medial side). For the example sole structure 104 of
FIG. 8A, however, the bottom surface(s) of the outsole component(s)
500, 600 and/or the frame 300 follow the upwardly bowed curvature
from the medial side to the lateral side, and may have the general
curved configuration in one or more of the forefoot, midfoot,
and/or heel regions, e.g., as shown by a dot-dash line B in FIGS.
8B-8D (and as generally shown in FIG. 8A).
FIGS. 9A-9K provide various views of an alternative footwear sole
structure 104 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. FIG. 9A is a top view of the sole structure 104, FIG. 9B
is a bottom view, FIG. 9C is a lateral side view, FIG. 9D is a
medial side view, FIG. 9E is a front/toe view, and FIG. 9F is a
rear/heel view. FIGS. 9G-9K are sectional views taken along lines
9G-9G, 9H-9H, 9I-9I, 9J-9J, and 9K-9K, respectively, as shown in
FIG. 9A. When common reference numbers are used in FIGS. 9A-9K as
those used in other figures in this application, the same or
similar parts are being referred to, and much of the repetitive
description may be omitted.
As shown in these figures, the sole structure 104 of FIGS. 9A-9K
includes: (a) a frame 300 (with openings 310 in the medial sidewall
302M and/or the lateral side wall 302L thereof); (b) a multi-part
midsole core component 400 (e.g., like that shown in FIG. 4J,
including medial side part 430M, (with stems 402M), lateral side
part 430L (with stems 402L), and central part 430C); and (c) an
outsole component 500. The components 300, 400, 500 shown in FIGS.
9A-9K may be made of any of the same materials and/or may have any
of the features, properties, alternatives, and/or options as
described above for the same or similar components (e.g., for
components 300, 400, and/or 500 described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 1A-8D). Also, the sole structure 104 may be engaged with any
desired type of upper, in any desired manner, including any of the
types of uppers and/or in any of the various manners described
above for the footwear, uppers, and/or sole structures of FIGS.
1A-8D.
Like the example shown in FIG. 4J, this example midsole core
component 400 is a multi-part structure including medial side part
430M, (with integrally formed stems 402M), lateral side part 430L
(with integrally formed stems 402L), and central part 430C. The
medial side part 430M and the lateral side part 430L are separate
components that form a portion of the plantar support surface for a
wearer's foot (see FIG. 9A). The medial side part 430M and lateral
side part 430L are separated by the central part 430C, which also
forms a portion of the plantar support surface for the wearer's
foot. This multi-part midsole core component 400 construction can
help make assembly of the sole structure 104 easier, e.g., as
generally described above with respect to FIGS. 4I and 4J.
Specifically, the sole structure 104 can be built by separately
inserting the stems 402M of the medial side part 430M and the stems
402L of the lateral side part 430L through the openings 310 in the
frame 300. Once these parts 430M and 430L are placed in the frame
300 (and optionally secured, e.g., by adhesives or cements), a
space is left open between their interior edges 4301, and the
central part 430C is fit into this space (and optionally secured,
e.g., by adhesives or cements). The outsole component(s) 500 is
(are) then secured (e.g., by adhesives or cements) to the
bottom/sides of the frame 300 and/or the midsole core component 400
(e.g., to one or more of medial side part 430M, central part 430C,
and/or lateral side part 430L). Additional features of and/or
options for these parts are described in more detail below.
The various midsole core component 400 parts (medial side part
430M, (with integrally formed stems 402M), lateral side part 430L
(with integrally formed stems 402L), and central part 430C) may be
made from the same or different materials, without departing from
this invention. As some more specific examples, these midsole
component parts 430M, 430C, and/or 430L may be made from a
lightweight and low density foam material, e.g., of the types
described above with respect to the example of FIGS. 1A-6D.
FIG. 9A shows a top view of the sole structure 104 supported on a
horizontal support surface S in an unloaded condition. The sole
structure 104 has a longitudinal length L from a rearmost heel
point RH to a forwardmost toe point FT. Vertical planes are shown
in FIG. 9A oriented perpendicular to the horizontal support surface
S and between a first vertical plane located at the rearmost heel
location (P=0 L) and a second vertical plane located at the
forwardmost toe location (RH at P=1 L). The locations of other
vertical planes in FIG. 9A are identified by their relative
location along the longitudinal length L using the rearmost heel
location (RH at P=0 L) as the origin for measurement.
Each of the medial side part 430M, the lateral side part 430L, and
the central part 430C in this illustrated example sole structure
104 has its rearmost point or edge (430R) located rearward of a
vertical plane located at 0.15 L along the longitudinal direction L
(measured forward from the rearmost heel point RH located at plane
P=0 L). In some examples, each of these rearmost points or edges
430R of parts 430M, 430C, and/or 430L may be rearward of a vertical
plane located at 0.12 L or even rearward of a vertical plane
located at 0.1 L (the rearmost points or edges 430R are located at
a vertical plane located at 0.07 L in this illustrated example). If
desired, one or more of the rearmost edges or points 430R of parts
430M, 430C, and/or 430L may be located between vertical planes
located at 0 L and 0.15 L, and in some examples, between vertical
planes located at 0.02 L and 0.12 L or even between vertical planes
located at 0.04 L and 0.1 L. The rearmost points or edges 430R of
the various parts (e.g., 430M, 430C, and 430L) need not be located
at the same longitudinal positions.
Additionally or alternatively, as also shown in FIG. 9A, the
forwardmost edge or point 400E of this example midsole core
component 400 (formed by the central midsole part 430C in this
illustrated example) is located forward of a vertical plane located
at 0.6 L along the longitudinal direction L (measured forward from
the rearmost heel point RH located at plane P=0 L). In some
examples, this forwardmost point or edge 400E may be located
forward of a vertical plane located at 0.7 L or even forward of a
vertical plane located at 0.75 L (the forwardmost point or edge
400E of the overall midsole core component 400 in this example is
located at a vertical plane located at 0.9 L). If desired, the
forwardmost edge or point 400E of the midsole core component 400
may be located between vertical planes located at 0.6 L and 1.0 L,
and in some examples, between vertical planes located at 0.7 L and
0.98 L or even between vertical planes located at 0.75 L and 0.95
L. If desired, forwardmost edges or points 400E of the medial side
part 430M and/or the lateral side part 430L may extend to the same
longitudinal extent or distance as the forwardmost edge or point
400E of the central part 430C.
In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9A-9K, however, the forwardmost
edges or points 400E of the medial side part 430M and the lateral
side part 430L do not extend as far forward as the central part
430C extends. Rather, as shown in FIG. 9A, the medial side part
430M and the lateral side part 430L in this illustrated example
extend to a location rearward of the forwardmost edge or point 400E
of the central part 430C. Each of the medial side part 430M and the
lateral side part 430L in this illustrated example sole structure
104 has its forwardmost point or edge (400E) located rearward of a
vertical plane located at 0.85 L along the longitudinal direction L
of the sole structure 104 (measured forward from the rearmost heel
point RH located at plane P=0 L). In some examples, either or both
of these forwardmost points or edges 400E of the medial side part
430M and/or the lateral side part 430L may be rearward of a
vertical plane located at 0.8 L or even rearward of a vertical
plane located at 0.75 L (the forwardmost points or edges 400E of
the medial side part 430M and the lateral side part 430L are
located at a vertical plane located at 0.72 L in this illustrated
example). If desired, one or more of the forwardmost edges or
points 400E of the medial side part 430M and/or the lateral side
part 430L may be located between vertical planes located at 0.55 L
and 0.85 L, and in some examples, between vertical planes located
at 0.6 L and 0.8 L or even between vertical planes located at 0.65
L and 0.75 L.
FIGS. 9A and 9G further show that the midsole core component 400
(and particularly central part 430C in this illustrated example)
includes flex grooves 430G in its upper surface 430S. Any desired
number and/or arrangement of flex grooves 430G may be provided
without departing from this invention (e.g., including parallel
grooves, curved grooves, intersecting grooves, a matrix of grooves,
etc.). In this illustrated example sole structure 104, a plurality
of flex grooves 430G are provided in a forefoot area of the central
part 430C, and these plurality of flex grooves 430G extend
generally in the transverse (e.g., lateral side-to-medial side
direction). While four flex grooves 430G are shown in FIGS. 9A and
9G, any desired number could be provided (e.g., from 1 to 10). The
plurality of flex grooves 430G in this specific example are
arranged between vertical planes located at 0.5 L and 0.9 L
(measured forward from the rearmost heel location RH of the sole
structure 104 at P=0 L). These illustrated flex grooves 430G
support flexion of the wearer's foot as weight transitions from the
heel to the toe during a step cycle.
FIGS. 9C-9G further illustrate that this example sole structure 104
includes an upwardly extending heel region and an upwardly
extending forefoot region (e.g., having its exterior bottom surface
extending upward from a horizontal base surface on which the sole
structure 104 is supported). Like the example sole structure shown
in FIG. 7, in the example sole structure 104 of FIGS. 9A-9K, when
moving rearward, the exterior bottom surface of the heel region
begins curving upward toward the rear heel region. The upward and
rearward curvature may begin at a location forward of a vertical
plane located at 0.2 L, and even forward of a vertical plane
located at 0.25 L, e.g., in the same manner as described above with
respect to FIG. 7. Additionally or alternatively, as also shown in
the example of FIG. 7, when moving forward, the exterior bottom
surface of the forefoot region begins curving upward toward the
forward toe region at a location rearward of a vertical plane
located at 0.75 L, and even rearward of a vertical plane located at
0.65 L, e.g., in the same manner as described above with respect to
FIG. 7. The sole structure 104 of FIGS. 9A-9K may have any of the
more specific features and/or characteristics with respect to the
heel curvature, toe curvature, "heel lift" and/or "heel/forefoot
offset" as described above, e.g., with respect to FIG. 7.
FIGS. 9B and 9G-9K further show that the frame 300 of this
illustrated example sole structure 104 does not include a complete
and full bottom surface like surface 302S and/or 300B described
above in conjunction with the frame 300 structure of FIGS. 3A-3D.
Rather, the frame 300 of the example sole structure 104 of FIGS.
9A-9K includes a substantially open bottom, and the bottom of the
central part 430C (and optionally, at least some of the bottom(s)
of the medial side part 430M and/or the lateral side part 430L)
forms a portion of the bottom of the sole structure 104 before the
outsole component(s) 500 is (are) engaged with the frame 300 and
midsole component 400. As shown in FIGS. 9G-9K, the frame 300 does
include bottom surface: (a) located at the extreme forefoot area
(e.g., forward of a vertical plane at 0.8 L or even forward of a
vertical plane at 0.85 L), (b) located at the extreme rearfoot area
(e.g., rearward of a vertical plane at 0.2 L or even rearward of a
vertical plane at 0.15 L), and (c) located along the medial and/or
lateral side edges of the sole structure 104 (e.g., beneath medial
side part 430M and/or beneath lateral side part 430L). In at least
some examples of this invention, less than 30% of the surface area
of the bottom of combined frame 300 and midsole core component 400
will be formed by the bottom surface of the frame 300 (and in some
examples, less than 25% or even less than 20% of the surface area
of the bottom of the combined frame 300 and midsole core component
400 will constitute the bottom of frame 300). Conversely, at least
70% (or at least 75% or even at least 80%) of the surface area of
the bottom of the combined frame 300 and midsole core component 400
will be formed by the bottom of the midsole core component 400
(e.g., by the bottom of the central part 430C or alternatively by
the bottom of one or more of the central part 430C, the medial side
part 430M, and/or the lateral side part 430L). Optionally, only the
bottom of the central part 430C of the midsole core component 400
may be exposed in the opening of the bottom of the frame 300. As
shown in FIGS. 9G-9K, in this illustrated example, the outsole
component 500 is engaged with the bottom surfaces of the frame 300
and the central midsole core component 430C (and optionally does
not directly connect and/or engage with medial side part 430M
and/or lateral side part 430L). The absence of a substantial
portion of the bottom surface of the frame 300 may help lighten the
overall weight of the sole structure 104 (as the frame 300
typically is made from a denser and heavier material than midsole
component 400) and/or improve sole flexibility.
FIG. 9B further illustrates that, in contrast to the sole structure
104 of FIGS. 1A-6D, the outsole component 500 of this illustrated
example sole structure 104 is formed as a single part. Flex grooves
500G are defined in the outsole component 500 to enhance its
flexibility. The flex grooves 500G may extend from the medial side
to the lateral side of the sole structure 104. In the example of
FIGS. 9B and 9G, complete through holes are defined over some
portion of the outsole component 500 (e.g., in at least some of the
outsole flex grooves 500G), and the bottom of at least the central
part 430C of the midsole core component 400 is exposed in these
openings. When such through holes are present in flex grooves 500G,
the through holes may extend from 15% to 85% of the overall length
of the groove 500G (and in some examples, from 25% to 75% or even
from 30% to 70% of the overall groove 500G length).
As described above, various features of some example sole
structures 104 and/or articles of footwear 100 in accordance with
this invention provide structures that promote weight transfer of
the foot and a comfortable feel/ride for the wearer. Some examples
of this invention will include one or more features that help
promote the desired function and feel. For example, some sole
structures/articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this
invention will include one or more of: (1) a gradual, continuous,
rearward curvature (e.g., radiused curved) from: (a) a location
forward of the 0.2 L plane (and in some examples from a location
forward of the 0.26 L plane) to (b) the rear vertical tangent
and/or rear end of the frame 300 and/or sole structure 104 (e.g.,
at point HR) to promote forward roll of the foot from the heel to
the toe during a step cycle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7); (2) a
gradual, continuous, forward curvature (e.g., radiused curved)
from: (a) a location rearward of the 0.65 L plane (and in some
examples from a location rearward of the 0.58 L plane) to (b) the
forward end and/or vertical tangent of the sole structure 104
(e.g., at point HF) to also promote forward roll of the foot from
the heel to the toe during a step cycle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7);
(3) a deep heel cup formed at least in part by the frame 300 at the
rear heel area; (e.g., the high heel sidewalls 302H with respect to
the support surface and the heel plantar support surface
(dimensions H1 and H2), as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2J); (4) a forward
extension (e.g., rake) of the rear heel area of the upper component
102/102b (e.g., as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and
1B); (5) elasticity/stretchability of the upper 102 in the heel
containing region (e.g., to securely hold to the wearer's heel);
(6) "heel-to-toe offset" features of at least 10 mm (e.g., as
described above); (7) a bowed sole structure from medial side to
lateral side (e.g., as described in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8D);
and/or (8) relatively thick heel and/or midfoot regions of the
midsole core component 400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7).
One or more of these features can help securely hold the wearer's
heel deep in a supportive heel cup, provide a comfortable
ride/feel, and/or promote smooth weight transfer and transition
over a wide variety of terrains (e.g., going uphill, downhill, on
smooth ground, etc.).
III. Conclusion
Aspects and features of the present invention are disclosed above
and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of
embodiments and/or options. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts
related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous
variations and modifications may be made to the features of the
invention described above without departing from the scope of the
present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
As some more specific examples, aspects of this invention relate at
least to the subject matter described in the following numbered
paragraphs ("Paras."):
[Para. 1.] A sole structure for an article of footwear,
comprising:
a frame including a first sidewall having an outer surface and an
inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein a first opening
is defined through the first sidewall extending from the outer
surface to the inner surface; and an interior midsole component
including a plantar support surface and a second sidewall that
extends downwardly from the plantar support surface and along the
inner surface of the first sidewall, wherein the interior midsole
component further includes a first outwardly extending stem
projecting sideways away from a base surface of the second
sidewall, and wherein the first outwardly extending stem extends
into the first opening beyond the inner surface of the first
sidewall toward the outer surface of the first sidewall and has at
least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the
first outwardly extending stem extends into the first opening
beyond the inner surface of the first sidewall at least to a
location at or adjacent the outer surface of the first sidewall;
(b) the first outwardly extending stem has an exterior surface that
is complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
first opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the first
opening; or (c) a free end of the first outwardly extending stem
extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first opening.
[Para. 2.] The sole structure according to Para. 1, wherein:
the frame further includes a second opening defined through the
first sidewall extending from the outer surface to the inner
surface; and
the interior midsole component further includes a second outwardly
extending stem projecting sideways away from the base surface of
the second sidewall, wherein the second outwardly extending stem
extends into the second opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall toward the outer surface of the first sidewall and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the second outwardly extending stem extends into the second opening
beyond the inner surface of the first sidewall at least to a
location at or adjacent the outer surface of the first sidewall;
(b) the second outwardly extending stem has an exterior surface
that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of
the second opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
second opening; or (c) a free end of the second outwardly extending
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the second
opening, optionally, wherein the interior midsole component is a
multi-part component that includes: (a) a medial side part
including the first outwardly extending stem and (b) a lateral side
part including the second outwardly extending stem, wherein the
lateral side part is an independent part from the medial side part,
and further optionally, wherein the interior midsole component
further includes a central part formed as an independent part from
the lateral side part and the medial side part, wherein the central
part extends between the lateral side part and the medial side
part. [Para. 3.] The sole structure according to Para. 2, wherein:
the frame further includes a third opening defined through the
first sidewall extending from the outer surface to the inner
surface; and the interior midsole component further includes a
third outwardly extending stem projecting sideways away from the
base surface of the second sidewall, wherein the third outwardly
extending stem extends into the third opening beyond the inner
surface of the first sidewall and has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the third outwardly extending
stem extends into the third opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent the outer
surface of the first sidewall; (b) the third outwardly extending
stem has an exterior surface that is complementary shaped with
respect to an interior surface of the third opening over at least
25% of an axial length of the third opening; or (c) a free end of
the third outwardly extending stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the third opening. [Para. 4.] The sole
structure according to any one of Paras. 1 through 3, wherein the
interior midsole component includes a foam midsole core component.
[Para. 5.] The sole structure according to any one of Paras. 1
through 3, wherein the interior midsole component includes a
fluid-filled bladder. [Para. 6.] A sole structure for an article of
footwear, comprising: a frame formed of a first polymer foam
material, wherein the frame includes a first sidewall having an
outer surface formed of the first polymer foam material and an
inner surface formed of the first polymer foam material opposite
the outer surface, and wherein a first opening is defined through
the first sidewall extending from the outer surface to the inner
surface; and an interior midsole component formed of a second
polymer foam material, wherein the interior midsole component
includes a plantar support surface and a second sidewall that
extends downwardly from the plantar support surface and along the
inner surface of the first sidewall, wherein the interior midsole
component further includes a first outwardly extending stem formed
of the second polymer foam material and projecting sideways away
from a base surface of the second sidewall, and wherein the first
outwardly extending stem extends into the first opening beyond the
inner surface of the first sidewall and has at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the first outwardly
extending stem extends into the first opening beyond the inner
surface of the first sidewall at least to a location at or adjacent
the outer surface of the first sidewall; (b) the first outwardly
extending stem has an exterior surface that is complementary shaped
with respect to an interior surface of the first opening over at
least 25% of an axial length of the first opening; or (c) a free
end of the first outwardly extending stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the first opening. [Para. 7.] The sole
structure according to Para. 6, wherein the first polymer foam
material is the same as the second polymer foam material or wherein
the first polymer foam material is different from the second
polymer foam material. [Para. 8.] The sole structure according to
Para. 6, wherein the first polymer foam material has a first
density, wherein the second polymer foam material has a second
density, and wherein the first density is greater than the second
density. [Para. 9.] The sole structure according to Para. 6,
wherein: the frame further includes a second opening defined
through the first sidewall extending from the outer surface to the
inner surface; and the interior midsole component further includes
a second outwardly extending stem formed of the second polymer foam
material and projecting sideways away from the base surface of the
second sidewall, wherein the second outwardly extending stem
extends into the second opening beyond the inner surface of the
first sidewall and has at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the second outwardly extending stem extends into
the second opening beyond the inner surface of the first sidewall
at least to a location at or adjacent the outer surface of the
first sidewall; (b) the second outwardly extending stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the second opening over at least 25% of an
axial length of the second opening; or (c) a free end of the second
outwardly extending stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent
of the second opening. [Para. 10.] The sole structure according to
Para. 2 or Para. 9, wherein the first opening and the first
outwardly extending stem are located on a medial side of the sole
structure, and wherein the second opening and the second outwardly
extending stem are located on the medial side of the sole structure
forward of the first opening and the first outwardly extending
stem. [Para. 11.] The sole structure according to Para. 2 or Para.
9, wherein the first opening and the first outwardly extending stem
are located on a medial side of the sole structure, and wherein the
second opening and the second outwardly extending stem are located
on a lateral side of the sole structure. [Para. 12.] The sole
structure according to Para. 2 or Para. 9, wherein the first
opening and the first outwardly extending stem are located on one
of a medial side or a lateral side of the sole structure, and
wherein the second opening and the second outwardly extending stem
are located on a rear heel side of the sole structure. [Para. 13.]
The sole structure according to Para. 2 or Para. 9, wherein a
vertical cross sectional area of the first opening is larger than a
vertical cross sectional area of the second opening, wherein a
vertical cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending stem
is larger than a vertical cross section area of the second
outwardly extending stem, and wherein the vertical cross sectional
areas of the openings and stems are determined with the sole
structure supported on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded
condition and with the vertical cross sectional plane extending
across an axial direction of the respective opening or stem, and/or
wherein a cross sectional area of the first opening is larger than
a cross sectional area of the second opening, and wherein a cross
sectional area of the first outwardly extending stem is larger than
a cross section area of the second outwardly extending stem,
wherein the cross sectional areas of the first opening, the second
opening, the first outwardly extending stem, and the second
outwardly extending stem are determined in a plane perpendicular to
an axial direction of the respective opening or stem. [Para. 14.]
The sole structure according to any preceding Para., wherein the
frame further includes a base support surface, and wherein the
first sidewall extends upward from the base support surface, and
wherein the interior midsole component is supported on the base
support surface. [Para. 15.] The sole structure according to Para.
14, wherein the first sidewall includes a medial sidewall region
located on a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral
sidewall region located on a lateral side of the sole structure,
wherein the base support surface extends between and connects the
medial sidewall region and the lateral sidewall region, and wherein
the interior midsole component fits into a receptacle defined by
the medial sidewall region, the lateral sidewall region, and the
base support surface of the frame. [Para. 16.] The sole structure
according to Para. 15, wherein the first sidewall extends around at
least one of a rear heel region of the sole structure or a forward
toe region of the sole structure to connect the medial sidewall
region and the lateral sidewall region as an integral, one-piece
construction. [Para. 17.] The sole structure according to any one
of Paras. 1 through 14, wherein the first opening and the first
outwardly extending stem are located in one of: a medial side edge
of the sole structure, a lateral side edge of the sole structure,
or a rear heel edge of the sole structure. [Para. 18.] The sole
structure according to any preceding Para., wherein the free end of
the first outwardly extending stem extends through the first
opening to a location beyond the outer surface of the first
sidewall. [Para. 19.] A sole structure for an article of footwear,
comprising: a medial sidewall region located on a medial side of
the sole structure, wherein the medial sidewall region includes a
medial outer surface and a medial inner surface, and wherein a
first medial opening is defined through the medial sidewall region
extending from the medial outer surface to the medial inner
surface; a lateral sidewall region located on a lateral side of the
sole structure, wherein the lateral sidewall region includes a
lateral outer surface and a lateral inner surface, and wherein a
first lateral opening is defined through the lateral sidewall
region extending from the lateral outer surface to the lateral
inner surface; a medial interior midsole sidewall that includes an
outwardly extending medial stem projecting sideways away from a
base surface of the medial interior midsole sidewall, wherein the
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the first medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region and has at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the outwardly extending medial stem extends into
the first medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the
medial sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the
medial outer surface of the medial sidewall region; (b) the
outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is
complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
first medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
first medial opening; or (c) a free end of the outwardly extending
medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first
medial opening; and a lateral interior midsole sidewall that
includes an outwardly extending lateral stem projecting sideways
away from a base surface of the lateral interior midsole sidewall,
wherein the outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the first
lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral
sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from the
group consisting of: (a) the outwardly extending lateral stem
extends into the lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface
of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall region;
(b) the outwardly extending lateral stem has an exterior surface
that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of
the first lateral opening over at least 25% of an axial length of
the first lateral opening; or (c) a free end of the outwardly
extending lateral stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent
of the first lateral opening. [Para. 20.] The sole structure
according to Para. 19, wherein the medial sidewall region and the
lateral sidewall region are integrally formed as parts of a
unitary, one-piece frame. [Para. 21.] The sole structure according
to Para. 19 or Para. 20, wherein a base support surface connects
the medial sidewall region and the lateral sidewall region. [Para.
22.] The sole structure according to Para. 19, wherein the medial
sidewall region is formed as a portion of a first frame component
and the lateral sidewall region is formed as a portion of a second
frame component that is a separate part from the first frame
component. [Para. 23.] The sole structure according to any one of
Paras. 19 through 22, wherein the medial interior midsole sidewall
and the lateral interior midsole sidewall are integrally formed as
parts of a unitary, one-piece foam midsole component construction.
[Para. 24.] The sole structure according to Para. 23, wherein a
plantar support surface connects the medial interior midsole
sidewall and the lateral interior midsole sidewall. [Para. 25.] The
sole structure according to any one of Paras. 19 through 22,
wherein the medial interior midsole sidewall is formed as a portion
of a first interior midsole component and the lateral interior
midsole sidewall is formed as a portion of a second interior
midsole component that is a separate part from the first interior
midsole component, and optionally, wherein a central midsole part
extends between (and optionally directly engages and/or connects
with either or both of) the first interior midsole component and
the second interior midsole component. [Para. 26.] A sole structure
for an article of footwear, comprising: a medial sidewall region
located on a medial side of the sole structure, wherein the medial
sidewall region includes a medial outer surface and a medial inner
surface, and wherein a first medial opening, a second medial
opening, and a third medial opening are defined through the medial
sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to the
medial inner surface; a lateral sidewall region located on a
lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the lateral sidewall
region includes a lateral outer surface and a lateral inner
surface, and wherein a first lateral opening, a second lateral
opening, and a third lateral opening are defined through the
lateral sidewall region extending from the lateral outer surface to
the lateral inner surface; a medial interior midsole sidewall that
includes a first outwardly extending medial stem, a second
outwardly extending medial stem, and a third outwardly extending
medial stem projecting sideways away from a base surface of the
medial interior midsole sidewall, wherein the first outwardly
extending medial stem extends into the first medial opening beyond
the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and has at
least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the
first outwardly extending medial stem extends into the first medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial outer
surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the first outwardly
extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is complementary
shaped with respect to an interior surface of the first medial
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the first medial
opening, or (c) a free end of the first outwardly extending medial
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the first medial
opening, wherein the second outwardly extending medial stem extends
into the second medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of
the medial sidewall region and has at least one feature selected
from the group consisting of: (a) the second outwardly extending
medial stem extends into the second medial opening beyond the
medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region at least to a
location at or adjacent the medial outer surface of the medial
sidewall region, (b) the second outwardly extending medial stem has
an exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the second medial opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the second medial opening, or (c) a free end of
the second outwardly extending medial stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the second medial opening, wherein the third
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the third medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region and has at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the third outwardly extending medial stem
extends into the third medial opening beyond the medial inner
surface of the medial sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the medial outer surface of the medial sidewall region,
(b) the third outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior
surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior
surface of the third medial opening over at least 25% of an axial
length of the third medial opening, or (c) a free end of the third
outwardly extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost
extent of the third medial opening; and a lateral interior
midsole
sidewall that includes a first outwardly extending lateral stem, a
second outwardly extending lateral stem, and a third outwardly
extending lateral stem projecting sideways away from a base surface
of the lateral interior midsole sidewall, wherein the first
outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the first lateral
opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall
region and has at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the first outwardly extending lateral stem
extends into the first lateral opening beyond the lateral inner
surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall region,
(b) the first outwardly extending lateral stem has an exterior
surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior
surface of the first lateral opening over at least 25% of an axial
length of the first lateral opening, or (c) a free end of the first
outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the first lateral opening, wherein the second
outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the second lateral
opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall
region and has at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the second outwardly extending lateral stem
extends into the second lateral opening beyond the lateral inner
surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall region,
(b) the second outwardly extending lateral stem has an exterior
surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior
surface of the second lateral opening over at least 25% of an axial
length of the second lateral opening, or (c) a free end of the
second outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the second lateral opening, and wherein the
third outwardly extending lateral stem extends into the third
lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral
sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from the
group consisting of: (a) the third outwardly extending lateral stem
extends into the third lateral opening beyond the lateral inner
surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location at or
adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall region,
(b) the third outwardly extending lateral stem has an exterior
surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an interior
surface of the third lateral opening over at least 25% of an axial
length of the third lateral opening, or (c) a free end of the third
outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond an
outermost extent of the third lateral opening. [Para. 27.] The sole
structure according to Para. 26, wherein the third medial opening
is located forward of the second medial opening in the sole
structure, wherein the second medial opening is located forward of
the first medial opening in the sole structure, wherein the third
lateral opening is located forward of the second lateral opening in
the sole structure, and wherein the second lateral opening is
located forward of the first lateral opening in the sole structure.
[Para. 28.] The sole structure according to Para. 27, wherein a
vertical cross sectional area of the first medial opening is larger
than a vertical cross sectional area of the second medial opening,
wherein the vertical cross sectional area of the second medial
opening is larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the third
medial opening, wherein a vertical cross sectional area of the
first outwardly extending medial stem is larger than a vertical
cross sectional area of the second outwardly extending medial stem,
wherein the vertical cross sectional area of the second outwardly
extending medial stem is larger than a vertical cross sectional
area of the third outwardly extending medial stem, and wherein the
vertical cross sectional areas of the openings and stems are
determined with the sole structure supported on a horizontal base
surface in an unloaded condition and with the vertical cross
sectional plane extending across an axial direction of the
respective opening or stem, and/or wherein a cross sectional area
of the first medial opening is larger than a cross sectional area
of the second medial opening, wherein the cross sectional area of
the second medial opening is larger than a cross sectional area of
the third medial opening, wherein a cross sectional area of the
first outwardly extending medial stem is larger than a cross
sectional area of the second outwardly extending medial stem,
wherein the cross sectional area of the second outwardly extending
medial stem is larger than a cross sectional area of the third
outwardly extending medial stem, and wherein the cross sectional
areas of the openings and stems are determined in a plane
perpendicular to an axial direction of the respective opening or
stem. [Para. 29.] The sole structure according to Para. 27 or 28,
wherein a vertical cross sectional area of the first lateral
opening is larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the
second lateral opening, wherein the vertical cross sectional area
of the second lateral opening is larger than a vertical cross
sectional area of the third lateral opening, wherein a vertical
cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending lateral stem
is larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the second
outwardly extending lateral stem, wherein the vertical cross
sectional area of the second outwardly extending lateral stem is
larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the third outwardly
extending lateral stem, and wherein the vertical cross sectional
areas of the openings and stems are determined with the sole
structure supported on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded
condition and with the vertical cross sectional plane extending
across an axial direction of the respective opening or stem, and/or
wherein a cross sectional area of the first lateral opening is
larger than a cross sectional area of the second lateral opening,
wherein the cross sectional area of the second lateral opening is
larger than a cross sectional area of the third lateral opening,
wherein a cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending
lateral stem is larger than a cross sectional area of the second
outwardly extending lateral stem, wherein the cross sectional area
of the second outwardly extending lateral stem is larger than a
cross sectional area of the third outwardly extending lateral stem,
and wherein the cross sectional areas of the openings and stems are
determined in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the
respective opening or stem. [Para. 30.] The sole structure
according to Para. 27, wherein a vertical cross sectional area of
the first medial opening is smaller than a vertical cross sectional
area of the second medial opening, wherein the vertical cross
sectional area of the second medial opening is larger than a
vertical cross sectional area of the third medial opening, wherein
a vertical cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending
medial stem is smaller than a vertical cross sectional area of the
second outwardly extending medial stem, wherein the vertical cross
sectional area of the second outwardly extending medial stem is
larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the third outwardly
extending medial stem, and wherein the vertical cross sectional
areas of the openings and stems are determined with the sole
structure supported on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded
condition and with the vertical cross sectional plane extending
across an axial direction of the respective opening or stem, and/or
wherein a cross sectional area of the first medial opening is
smaller than a cross sectional area of the second medial opening,
wherein the cross sectional area of the second medial opening is
larger than a cross sectional area of the third medial opening,
wherein a cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending
medial stem is smaller than a cross sectional area of the second
outwardly extending medial stem, wherein the cross sectional area
of the second outwardly extending medial stem is larger than a
cross sectional area of the third outwardly extending medial stem,
and wherein the cross sectional areas of the openings and stems are
determined in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the
respective opening or stem. [Para. 31.] The sole structure
according to Para. 27 or 30, wherein a vertical cross sectional
area of the first lateral opening is smaller than a vertical cross
sectional area of the second lateral opening, wherein the vertical
cross sectional area of the second lateral opening is larger than a
vertical cross sectional area of the third lateral opening, wherein
a vertical cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending
lateral stem is smaller than a vertical cross sectional area of the
second outwardly extending lateral stem, wherein the vertical cross
sectional area of the second outwardly extending lateral stem is
larger than a vertical cross sectional area of the third outwardly
extending lateral stem, and wherein the vertical cross sectional
areas of the openings and stems are determined with the sole
structure supported on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded
condition and with the vertical cross sectional plane extending
across an axial direction of the respective opening or stem, and/or
wherein a cross sectional area of the first lateral opening is
smaller than a cross sectional area of the second lateral opening,
wherein the cross sectional area of the second lateral opening is
larger than a cross sectional area of the third lateral opening,
wherein a cross sectional area of the first outwardly extending
lateral stem is smaller than a cross sectional area of the second
outwardly extending lateral stem, wherein the cross sectional area
of the second outwardly extending lateral stem is larger than a
cross sectional area of the third outwardly extending lateral stem,
and wherein the cross sectional areas of the openings and stems are
determined in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the
respective opening or stem. [Para. 32.] The sole structure
according to Para. 27, wherein a fourth medial opening is defined
through the medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer
surface to the medial inner surface, wherein the fourth medial
opening is located forward of the third medial opening, and wherein
the medial interior midsole sidewall includes a fourth outwardly
extending medial stem that extends into the fourth medial opening
beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the fourth outwardly extending medial stem extends into the fourth
medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the fourth
outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is
complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
fourth medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
fourth medial opening, or (c) a free end of the fourth outwardly
extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of
the fourth medial opening. [Para. 33.] The sole structure according
to Para.32, wherein a fifth medial opening is defined through the
medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface, wherein the fifth medial opening is
located forward of the fourth medial opening, and wherein the
medial interior midsole sidewall includes a fifth outwardly
extending medial stem that extends into the fifth medial opening
beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the fifth outwardly extending medial stem extends into the fifth
medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the fifth
outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is
complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
fifth medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
fifth medial opening, or (c) a free end of the fifth outwardly
extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of
the fifth medial opening. [Para. 34.] The sole structure according
to Para. 33, wherein a sixth medial opening is defined through the
medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface, wherein the sixth medial opening is
located forward of the fifth medial opening, and wherein the medial
interior midsole sidewall includes a sixth outwardly extending
medial stem that extends into the sixth medial opening beyond the
medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and has at least
one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the sixth
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the sixth medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial outer
surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the sixth outwardly
extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is complementary
shaped with respect to an interior surface of the sixth medial
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the sixth medial
opening, or (c) a free end of the sixth outwardly extending medial
stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the sixth medial
opening. [Para. 35.] The sole structure according to Para. 34,
wherein a seventh medial opening is defined through the medial
sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to the
medial inner surface, wherein the seventh medial opening is located
forward of the sixth medial opening, and wherein the medial
interior midsole sidewall includes a seventh outwardly extending
medial stem that extends into the seventh medial opening beyond the
medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and has at least
one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a) the seventh
outwardly extending medial stem extends into the seventh medial
opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall
region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial outer
surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the seventh outwardly
extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is complementary
shaped with respect to an interior surface of the seventh medial
opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the seventh medial
opening, or (c) a free end of the seventh outwardly extending
medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the
seventh medial opening. [Para. 36.] The sole structure according to
Para. 35, wherein an eighth medial opening is defined through the
medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface, wherein the eighth medial opening is
located forward of the seventh medial opening, and wherein the
medial interior midsole sidewall includes an eighth outwardly
extending medial stem that extends into the eighth medial opening
beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the eighth outwardly extending medial stem extends into the eighth
medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the eighth
outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is
complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
eighth medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
eighth medial opening, or (c) a free end of the eighth outwardly
extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of
the eighth medial opening. [Para. 37.] The sole structure according
to Para. 36, wherein a ninth medial opening is defined through the
medial sidewall region extending from the medial outer surface to
the medial inner surface, wherein the ninth medial opening is
located forward of the eighth medial opening, and wherein the
medial interior midsole sidewall includes a ninth outwardly
extending medial stem that extends into the ninth medial opening
beyond the medial inner surface of the medial sidewall region and
has at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (a)
the ninth outwardly extending medial stem extends into the ninth
medial opening beyond the medial inner surface of the medial
sidewall region at least to a location at or adjacent the medial
outer surface of the medial sidewall region, (b) the ninth
outwardly extending medial stem has an exterior surface that is
complementary shaped with respect to an interior surface of the
ninth medial opening over at least 25% of an axial length of the
ninth medial opening, or (c) a free end of the ninth outwardly
extending medial stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of
the ninth medial opening. [Para. 38.] The sole structure according
to any one of Paras. 26 through 37, wherein a fourth lateral
opening is defined through the lateral sidewall region extending
from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface,
wherein the fourth lateral opening is located forward of the third
lateral opening, and wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall
includes a fourth outwardly extending lateral stem that extends
into the fourth lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of
the lateral sidewall region and has at least one feature selected
from
the group consisting of: (a) the fourth outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the fourth lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region, (b) the fourth outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the fourth lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the fourth lateral opening, or (c) a free end of
the fourth outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the fourth lateral opening. [Para. 39.] The
sole structure according to Para. 38, wherein a fifth lateral
opening is defined through the lateral sidewall region extending
from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface,
wherein the fifth lateral opening is located forward of the fourth
lateral opening, and wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall
includes a fifth outwardly extending lateral stem that extends into
the fifth lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the
lateral sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from
the group consisting of: (a) the fifth outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the fifth lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region, (b) the fifth outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the fifth lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the fifth lateral opening, or (c) a free end of
the fifth outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the fifth lateral opening. [Para. 40.] The
sole structure according to Para. 39, wherein a sixth lateral
opening is defined through the lateral sidewall region extending
from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface,
wherein the sixth lateral opening is located forward of the fifth
lateral opening, and wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall
includes a sixth outwardly extending lateral stem that extends into
the sixth lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the
lateral sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from
the group consisting of: (a) the sixth outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the sixth lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region, (b) the sixth outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the sixth lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the sixth lateral opening, or (c) a free end of
the sixth outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the sixth lateral opening. [Para. 41.] The
sole structure according to Para. 40, wherein a seventh lateral
opening is defined through the lateral sidewall region extending
from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface,
wherein the seventh lateral opening is located forward of the sixth
lateral opening, and wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall
includes a seventh outwardly extending lateral stem that extends
into the seventh lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface
of the lateral sidewall region and has at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the seventh outwardly
extending lateral stem extends into the seventh lateral opening
beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at
least to a location at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the
lateral sidewall region, (b) the seventh outwardly extending
lateral stem has an exterior surface that is complementary shaped
with respect to an interior surface of the seventh lateral opening
over at least 25% of an axial length of the seventh lateral
opening, or (c) a free end of the seventh outwardly extending
lateral stem extends outward beyond an outermost extent of the
seventh lateral opening. [Para. 42.] The sole structure according
to Para. 41, wherein an eighth lateral opening is defined through
the lateral sidewall region extending from the lateral outer
surface to the lateral inner surface, wherein the eighth lateral
opening is located forward of the seventh lateral opening, and
wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall includes an eighth
outwardly extending lateral stem that extends into the eighth
lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the lateral
sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from the
group consisting of: (a) the eighth outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the eighth lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region, (b) the eighth outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the eighth lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the eighth lateral opening, or (c) a free end of
the eighth outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the eighth lateral opening. [Para. 43.] The
sole structure according to Para. 42, wherein a ninth lateral
opening is defined through the lateral sidewall region extending
from the lateral outer surface to the lateral inner surface,
wherein the ninth lateral opening is located forward of the eighth
lateral opening, and wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall
includes a ninth outwardly extending lateral stem that extends into
the ninth lateral opening beyond the lateral inner surface of the
lateral sidewall region and has at least one feature selected from
the group consisting of: (a) the ninth outwardly extending lateral
stem extends into the ninth lateral opening beyond the lateral
inner surface of the lateral sidewall region at least to a location
at or adjacent the lateral outer surface of the lateral sidewall
region, (b) the ninth outwardly extending lateral stem has an
exterior surface that is complementary shaped with respect to an
interior surface of the ninth lateral opening over at least 25% of
an axial length of the ninth lateral opening, or (c) a free end of
the ninth outwardly extending lateral stem extends outward beyond
an outermost extent of the ninth lateral opening. [Para. 44] The
sole structure according to one of Paras. 19 to 43, wherein the
medial interior midsole sidewall is formed on a medial midsole side
part, wherein the lateral interior midsole sidewall is formed on a
lateral midsole side part, and wherein the medial midsole side part
is an independent and separate part from the lateral midsole side
part. [Para. 45] The sole structure according to Para. 44, wherein
a central midsole part extends between the medial midsole side part
and the lateral midsole side part, and wherein the central midsole
part is an independent and separate part from the medial midsole
side part and the lateral midsole side part. [Para. 46.] An article
of footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole structure according
to any preceding Para. engaged with the upper. [Para. 47.] The
article of footwear according to Para. 46, wherein a rear heel
region of the upper extends forward from a rearmost heel region of
the frame toward a forefoot region of the article of footwear.
[Para. 48.] The article of footwear according to Para. 47, wherein
a rearmost heel surface of the rear heel region of the upper has a
concave curvature moving in a direction from the frame toward a top
edge of the rear heel region. [Para. 49.] The article of footwear
according to Para. 46 or 47, wherein, with the article of footwear
supported on its sole structure on a horizontal support surface,
the rear heel region of the upper extends forward from the rearmost
heel region of the frame toward the forefoot region of the article
of footwear at an angle of at least 20.degree. from a vertical
plane.
* * * * *